Power is still out for customers across the region as damaging winds blew through Western Washington in the early hours of Dec. 17.
As of 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, approximately 22,420 customers remained without power across the state, with the majority in Island and Snohomish Counties.
A day earlier, at around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, there were over 380,000 power outages across the state.
The National Weather Service in Seattle had issued a High Wind Warning for large portions of Western Washington, with forecasters warning of damaging winds, falling trees, and possible power outages from Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday.
Wind gusts of 50+ mph were reported at the Port of Tacoma, Coupeville, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Port Angeles, Shelton, and Renton.
Alpental had a reported gust of 112 mph. Snoqualmie Pass saw 82 mph winds.
Areas included in the High Wind Warning ranged from Everett, Marysville and Mount Vernon to Olympia, Tacoma, Federal Way and Kent, as well as Port Townsend, the Hood Canal region, the western Strait of Juan de Fuca and the North Olympic Coast.
Coastal communities such as Westport, Ocean Shores, La Push and Neah Bay were also included.
In addition to the High Wind Warning, a Wind Advisory was issued for parts of Seattle, the Eastside, San Juan County, Western Whatcom County and Eastern Kitsap County, including Bremerton and Silverdale.
Conditions improved after daybreak on Wednesday as winds gradually eased across Western Washington.
The best way to be prepared for a power outage is to make sure you have all you need before a weather system hits.
- Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have at least one power bank pre-charged and ready to go so you have something on hand.
- Have flashlights for every household member.
- Have enough nonperishable food and water. Usually, during storms like these, power is restored within at least a day, but it’s good to be prepared.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours, Ready.gov advises.
- Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages. Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords. Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
Report an outage/view an outage map:
- Puget Sound Energy - Call 1-888-225-5773 | Outage Map
- Seattle City Light- Call 206-684-3000 | Outage map
- Tanner Electric Cooperative- Call 425-888-0623 | Outage map
- Snohomish County PUD - Call 425-783-1001 | Outage map
- Tacoma Public Utilities- Call 253-502-8602 | Outage map
- Peninsula Light Co- Call 877-853-1388 | Outage map
- Jefferson County PUD- Call 360-385-5800 | Outage map
- Clallam County PUD- Call 800-542-7859 | Outage Map