Storm roars through Hill AFB

  • Published
  • By 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The first day of autumn brought a fast-moving storm to the base, resulting in power outages, snarled traffic, and damage.

According to the 75th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight, the storm, known as an outflow boundary, did not produce a tornado on base. It began Thursday, Sept. 22, at 3:46 p.m. and produced 77 mph winds and 1.89 inches of rain. Some areas of base reported hail measuring three-fourths of an inch in diameter.

The storm’s timing at the end of the workday caused excessive delays. The already busy vehicle traffic heading toward the base’s gates was slowed significantly due to hazardous driving conditions and non-working traffic signals on major roadways off base.

The storm uprooted large trees and snapped branches across the base, while debris littered roadways and parking lots. Roofs across the base were also damaged.

Cleanup began immediately following the storm with 75th Civil Engineer Squadron personnel working through the afternoon and overnight to restore normal base operations. Power was restored to the base at 9 p.m. Thursday.

Col. Jennifer Hammerstedt, 75th Air Base Wing commander, lauded base personnel for their efforts in response to the storm.

“Our teams worked hard to get power and systems back on line this evening (Sept. 22) and ensure base safety and security,” she said. “We are very thankful that no one was injured, and given the fact we lost power and communications, Team Hill did very well in the post-storm recovery. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation through the outages and delays.”