Strong Wind — East Puget Sound Lowlands, Washington

2014-10-25 · East Puget Sound Lowlands, Washington

Event narrative

There were about 25,000 people without power.

Wider weather episode

A powerful autumn wind storm rolled through most of Western Washington Saturday evening, bringing wind gusts of 50-60 mph and knocking out power to over 150,000 people.

Most wind speeds have reported gusts in the 45-55 mph range around the Puget Sound region, but a few places near the water bested 60 mph.

Both the 520 Bridge and the lighthouse at Alki Beach reported a gust of 61 mph while a Washington State Ferry reported a gust of 52 mph as the ferry reached the edge of Elliott Bay.

The 61 mph gust and continued gusts over 50 mph forced the temporary closure of the 520 Bridge, but it reopened about 30 minutes later.

There were unofficial spotter reports of a 66 mph gust in Normandy Park and 64 mph in Burien.

In Seattle, a bicyclist was injured when he was struck by a falling branch at 1st and Madison in Downtown. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of head and shoulder injuries.

A tree toppled across 2nd and Pine in Downtown Seattle. Puyallup Police warned their area had several trees down, including 14th St. SE and E. Pioneer and the 400 block of 13 St. SE. Numerous other reports of trees down are scattered across the region.

A sailor died when his boat capsized.

HQM 59 mph, SEA 49 mph, Yelm 55 mph. NUW 51 mph.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 544871. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.