Strong Wind — Spokane Area, Washington

Event narrative (NOAA)

At approximately 0625 PST, SPD responded to a commercial vehicle versus tree collision at Highway 2 near Sunset Frontage Road. Initial callers reported that a tree had fallen onto the highway and struck an eastbound truck, causing the truck to leave the roadway. Spokane Police and Washington State Patrol responded and found that the two occupants of the truck were deceased at the scene. Collision investigators with the SPD Major Crimes Unit (MCU) also responded to assist with the investigation. Highway 2 (eastbound) was briefly shutdown during the investigation. At this time, investigators believe that heavy winds this morning caused the tree to dislodge from the ground and fall across the roadway. Spokane Airport ASOS recorded a gusts of 30 MPH at the time of incident.

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