Storm Update
Neighbor,
I hope you're holding up. This week has been hard for King County, with massive windstorms impacting Western Washington. Here’s the latest news from the Ninth District of Washington.
What We Know
This windstorm blew through our community, with gusts as high as 74 miles per hour. 640,000 people lost power during the storms, and at least two Washingtonians tragically lost their lives.
According to the National Weather Service, this storm was called a bomb cyclone, and has resulted in fallen trees, heavy snow, and many blocked roads throughout the region.
As of last night, over 350,000 people are still without power statewide.
How Folks Are Responding
Line crews have been working around the clock to restore power. Puget Sound Energy spokesman Gerald Tracy said it could take a few days to restore power, but the ultimate mission is to fix most outages by Saturday.
I am deeply concerned about the impact of this storm on all our neighbors across Western Washington. I lost power and know how difficult it can be to go through the day without electricity. However, I have nothing but faith in our line workers, first responders, and energy personnel who are doing what they can to support you, and I thank them all for their hard work.
Safety Tips
In the aftermath of this dangerous cyclone, staying safe is critical. Remember to not go within 35 feet of downed power lines. Instead, please call your energy provider or 911 to report any hazards. Do not use natural gas for heating, or charcoal as a cooking source or inside heater. Keep portable heaters far from flammable materials, including furniture.
If you are unable to stay warm at home, please head to designated warming centers. Locations can be found here. If you drive, please be aware of disabled traffic signals. Treat intersections with no working stoplights as a four-way-stop.
I understand the inconvenience and the danger of this storm. Your well being is my top priority.
-Adam Smith