A destructive windstorm hammered East Idaho Thursday, shutting down nearly 30 miles of Interstate 15 and leaving many without power as gusts reached 70 mph.

Zero-visibility dust storms triggered multiple wrecks across the region, including a multi-vehicle crash that shut down I-15 south of Idaho Falls for more than an hour. At least one person was injured.

The Idaho Transportation Department has closed two stretches of the freeway: a 24-mile section from Idaho Falls to the Sage Junction area and a five-mile stretch south of Idaho Falls. No reopening timeline has been announced.

Thursday’s strongest gusts — 70 mph — were reported at Craters of the Moon National Monument and in Idaho Falls.

Such winds can be considered near hurricane strength.

Pocatello saw gusts reach 48 mph on Thursday while Blackfoot got hit by maximum winds of 58 mph.

Most of East Idaho saw winds of over 50 mph on Thursday that toppled trees, caused dust storms and downed power lines.

Power outages occurred throughout the region.

“High winds moving through Idaho Falls today are causing power outages across the city as large trees, branches and other debris fall onto power lines and electrical equipment,” the city of Idaho Falls said in a Thursday news release.

“Windy conditions are predicted to continue for several days, which may lead to additional impacts.”

The National Weather Service says wind advisories with gusts up to 55 mph are likely Friday throughout East Idaho, with even stronger high wind warnings expected Saturday. Most of southwest and south central Idaho are already under wind alerts, while winter storm warnings are in effect across North Idaho.

And every state surrounding Idaho has active wind or winter weather alerts.

Please check your local forecast before taking to the road because the region’s weather is currently very volatile.