Severe Windstorm Causes Major Power Outages
A severe windstorm has left more than 70,000 people without electricity across western Washington. The storm, characterized by wind gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph, has particularly impacted the operations of Puget Sound Energy, which reported approximately 62,200 customers without power.
In addition to Puget Sound Energy, Snohomish County PUD reported about 11,400 outages, while Seattle City Light indicated roughly 2,500 customers were also affected. Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed, with a person dying after a tree fell on a car near Monroe, Washington.
As of 10 p.m. Wednesday, Puget Sound Energy’s numbers showed 53,044 customers still without power, while Snohomish County PUD reported 12,745 outages at the same time. Utility crews are actively working to restore power to affected customers as quickly as possible.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the evening, and a Blizzard Warning is in effect for the Washington Cascades until 5 a.m. This weather event has compounded the difficulties faced by utility companies in managing the outages.
In Whatcom County, as of March 11, 2026, Puget Sound Energy reported 11,423 customers without power. The ongoing situation highlights the challenges posed by severe weather conditions in the region.
Utility companies are urging residents to stay safe and report any downed power lines or hazardous conditions. The full extent of the damage and the timeline for restoration efforts remain uncertain as crews assess the situation.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the overall impact of the storm and the expected duration of outages. However, the community is encouraged to prepare for potential extended disruptions as crews work diligently to restore service.
