Western Washington is grappling with widespread power outages following a severe wind event that swept through the region in the early hours of Saturday, December 17th. As of 4:30 AM on Sunday, December 18th, an estimated 60,197 customers were still without electricity, with the most significant impacts concentrated in Pierce, Snohomish, and Island counties.
This figure represents a substantial decrease from the peak of the disruption. Just 24 hours prior, at approximately 4:30 AM on Saturday, December 17th, the number of affected customers statewide had soared to over 380,000.
High Winds Batter the Region
The National Weather Service in Seattle had issued a High Wind Warning for extensive areas of Western Washington. Forecasters had cautioned residents about the potential for damaging winds, leading to falling trees and widespread power disruptions, anticipated to last from Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday.
Indeed, powerful wind gusts were recorded across the area. The Port of Tacoma, Coupeville, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Port Angeles, Shelton, and Renton all experienced gusts exceeding 50 miles per hour. More extreme conditions were observed at Alpental, which recorded a staggering gust of 112 mph, and Snoqualmie Pass, where winds reached 82 mph.
The High Wind Warning encompassed a broad geographical range, including cities and towns such as Everett, Marysville, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Tacoma, Federal Way, Kent, Port Townsend, the Hood Canal region, the western Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the North Olympic Coast. Coastal communities, including Westport, Ocean Shores, La Push, and Neah Bay, were also directly affected.
In addition to the High Wind Warning, a Wind Advisory was put in place for several other areas. These included parts of Seattle, the Eastside, San Juan County, Western Whatcom County, and Eastern Kitsap County, notably Bremerton and Silverdale.
Fortunately, conditions began to improve after sunrise on Wednesday, with winds gradually subsiding across Western Washington.
Preparing for Power Outages
The most effective strategy for navigating power outages is proactive preparation. Ensuring you have essential supplies before a severe weather system strikes can significantly mitigate the disruption and ensure the safety and comfort of your household.
Essential Supplies for Power Outage Preparedness:
- Alternative Power Sources:
- Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out.
- Consider a portable charger or power bank. Having at least one power bank pre-charged and ready to go is highly recommended.
- Lighting:
- Ensure you have flashlights readily available for every member of your household.
- Food and Water:
- Stockpile enough nonperishable food and water. While power is often restored within a day or two during such storms, being prepared for a longer duration is always prudent.
- Refrigeration:
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will typically keep food cold for about four hours. A fully stocked freezer can maintain its temperature for approximately 48 hours, according to guidance from Ready.gov.
- Generators:
- Safety First: Generators and fuel must always be used outdoors.
- Position generators at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Connect generators to appliances using heavy-duty extension cords.
- Allow the generator to cool down completely before attempting to refuel it. Spilled fuel on hot engine components can easily ignite.
Reporting Power Outages and Viewing Outage Maps
If you are experiencing a power outage or wish to monitor the status of outages in your area, the following utility providers offer reporting services and online outage maps:
- Puget Sound Energy:
- Call: 1-888-225-5773
- Outage Map: [Link to Puget Sound Energy Outage Map]
- Seattle City Light:
- Call: 206-684-3000
- Outage Map: [Link to Seattle City Light Outage Map]
- Tanner Electric Cooperative:
- Call: 425-888-0623
- Outage Map: [Link to Tanner Electric Cooperative Outage Map]
- Snohomish County PUD:
- Call: 425-783-1001
- Outage Map: [Link to Snohomish County PUD Outage Map]
- Tacoma Public Utilities:
- Call: 253-502-8602
- Outage Map: [Link to Tacoma Public Utilities Outage Map]
- Peninsula Light Co:
- Call: 877-853-1388
- Outage Map: [Link to Peninsula Light Co Outage Map]
- Jefferson County PUD:
- Call: 360-385-5800
- Outage Map: [Link to Jefferson County PUD Outage Map]
- Clallam County PUD:
- Call: 800-542-7859
- Outage Map: [Link to Clallam County PUD Outage Map]
