Idaho Power closely monitoring weather conditions today in Southeast Idaho due to possible thunderstorms that could trigger wildfires

Idaho Power is monitoring weather conditions Saturday in Southeast Idaho to determine the wildfire risk.

The utility is considering isolated public safety power shutoffs if it's determined that incoming thunderstorms have a significant chance of triggering wildfires. High winds from storms can cause tree branches and other objects to be blown into power lines, increasing the potential for fire.

Idaho Power will be in touch with any customers subject to a public safety power shutoff so they are forewarned that their electrical service could be temporarily suspended.

These shutoffs would impact a small percentage of customers in any given area, the utility said.

Idaho Power said isolated public safety power shutoffs are possible after 3 p.m. Saturday in the Pocatello, American Falls and Arbon Valley areas.

Any public safety power shutoff in the Pocatello or American Falls areas could last for at least three hours while such a shutoff could last for at least 10 hours in the Arbon Valley area, Idaho Power said.

The utility said a public safety power shutoff is also possible after 6 p.m. Saturday in the Rock Creek area near Twin Falls and could last for at least five hours.

Idaho Power said about the possible public safety power shutoffs, "Actual duration will depend on the time needed to perform post-storm safety patrols and repair any damage found. Unplanned, weather-related outages might also occur separate from a (public safety power shutoff). Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our communities safe."

As of 2 p.m. Saturday the National Weather Service had not issued any severe weather warnings for Southeast Idaho. But the weather service forecast for Saturday, Sunday and Monday does call for possible thunderstorms throughout the region, especially in the Pocatello, American Falls, Arbon Valley and Rock Creek areas.