Wind storm rolling into Puget Sound
Oct 15, 2012, 1:34 PM | Updated: 8:53 pm
A vigorous wind storm has blown in off the Washington coast, prompting an advisory for the whole region.
“We’re looking at some southerly winds to increase to 20 to 35 miles per hour with some gusts at 45 to 55 miles per hour,” said Johnny Berg at the National Weather Service.
Because many trees still have their leaves, Berg said there is concern the high winds could lead to power failures from downed trees and branches.
In fact, outages have been reported in Port Orchard and on Vashon Island.
Puget Sound Energy is warning people to put together an emergency kit for major power outages. Some of the items include a manual can opener, extra batteries, extra clothes, and a whistle. (Check here for the full list.) Meanwhile, PSE says its crews are ready for the storm season.
“While the sun was shining these past few months, our crews were busy trimming trees, working on reliability projects and getting ready for winter,” said Andy Wappler, meteorologist and PSE vice president of corporate affairs.
Crews have trimmed trees along 200 miles of power lines, replaced lines with specially coated “tree wire” to help with fallen branches, and upgraded substations and transformers.
The wind storm should die down by about 5:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.
KIRO Radio reporter Tim Haeck contributed to this story.
