Strong Wind — Western Skagit, Washington

2015-08-29 · Western Skagit, Washington

Event narrative

Power outages and downed trees affected much of the county.

Wider weather episode

High wind struck parts of Western Washington beginning around mid morning on Saturday August 29th and continued into the afternoon hours. Widespread tree damage and power outages occurred, about 450,000 in total. Storm force winds developed over the coastal waters and Northern Inland waters. Solid Gale force winds occurred on the remaining waters. Ferry service between Port Townsend and Coupeville was suspended because of the windstorm.

A tree feel on an automobile in Gig Harbor resulting in 1 death. At least 23 car collisions reported around Puget Sound by news media, possibly weather related. Highway 99 closed for a few hours through downtown Seattle was weather-related according to media and Seattle Police. Numerous reports of trees or branches on roadways. Widespread power outages. Power outages examples: 161,000 Puget Sound Energy and 58,000 Seattle City light customers.

A 10-year-old girl was killed in SeaTac when a falling tree branch hit and killed her.

Two elderly people died in their home near Everson after inhaling a generator's exhaust fumes during the weekend power outage.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 599778. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.