High winds, power outages follow season’s first Seattle area snow
Nov 28, 2014, 6:23 AM | Updated: Nov 29, 2014, 4:47 pm
High winds downed trees and power lines across the region, including this one at 27th Ave NW and 96th in north Seattle. (Photo courtesy Nick Drummond via twitter)
(Photo courtesy Nick Drummond via twitter)
High winds and cold temperatures followed the first snowfall of the season across the Puget Sound region, leaving tens of thousands without power.
The National Weather Service reported 3.5 inches of snow fell in North Bend, 3 inches in Sequim, and 2.5 inches in Redmond as of 8 a.m. Saturday.
The snow wasn’t causing any problems on area roads around Seattle Saturday morning. The Seattle Department of Transportation reported while it had crews on standby, temperatures were still too warm to cause freezing conditions and the snow wasn’t sticking on area roads.
It was a different story in Snohomish County, where dozens of accidents were reported into the early afternoon hours because of icy conditions.
The snow gave way to clearing skies and cold temperatures, with highs only reaching the low to mid-30’s, the National Weather Service said.
High winds followed the early morning snow, downing trees and power lines and leaving thousands without power.
Puget Sound Energy reported over 15,000 customers without power across the region Saturday afternoon. Seattle City Light reported just over 9,000 outages, mostly in the north end.
The National Weather Service says gusts around area ranged from 20 to 40 mph.
The cold weather and snow is a sharp contrast to Friday, when temperatures were in the 50’s and more than 1.25 inches of rain fell between 5 p.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. Friday at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
A wind advisory remained in effect through Saturday afternoon for San Juan and Whatcom counties, where sustained winds of up to 39 mph and gusts of up to 57 mph were likely.
Here’s a look at some snowy shots from around the area Saturday morning:
Covered in snow in Lake Stevens wa. #liveonkomo pic.twitter.com/0x2fxeAeH2
— Christina Aguero (@Christi18810331) November 29, 2014
It's a beautiful #winterwonderland over in #WestSeattle. @seattletimes pic.twitter.com/MhUjd8jZ5E
— Danielle Campoamor (@DCampoamor) November 29, 2014
Snow Day in #Seattle – #TherapyCat and first Winter in her newly redecorated Observation deck. pic.twitter.com/6ewtfAxFgN
— N-Spire Me! (@Michael_Rawls) November 29, 2014
