A transformer explosion in North Lewiston triggered a widespread power outage Thursday evening, cutting electricity to more than 1,100 Avista customers across a stretch of the city, according to the utility.
The affected area ran from the 21st and Main streets corridor north toward 12th Avenue. Avista crews initially projected restoration by 11:30 p.m., but workers brought power back online roughly an hour ahead of schedule, around 10:30 p.m.
Officers Step In to Manage Intersections
With traffic signals dark across several busy intersections, Lewiston police deployed officers to manually direct vehicles through the affected zone. For approximately 30 minutes, drivers were left to navigate on their own before law enforcement arrived to manage the flow. Authorities noted that officers may have been simultaneously handling unrelated calls during the outage period. Once Avista restored power, traffic signals came back online and conditions returned to normal.
This marks another significant disruption for Lewiston-area utility customers in recent weeks. A power outage affecting roughly 1,100 customers was reported in Lewiston on a previous Thursday evening, raising questions about the reliability of local electrical infrastructure heading into the summer months.
The cause of the transformer explosion was not immediately detailed beyond the initial reports, and Avista has not publicly announced a formal investigation timeline.
What Comes Next
Avista crews will likely assess the affected transformer equipment to determine the root cause of the failure and prevent a recurrence. Residents in the North Lewiston area are encouraged to report any lingering electrical concerns directly to Avista. Lewiston police have not indicated any further action related to the traffic management response, though the department continues to field calls on other public safety matters throughout the region. Follow local public safety developments in Lewiston for updates on infrastructure and emergency response stories as they emerge.