High Wind — Seattle and Vicinity, Washington

2016-03-13 · Seattle and Vicinity, Washington

Event narrative

The Seattle ASOS measured a sustained wind of 44 mph. Eric Medalle, 42, was in the driver's seat of a vehicle in Seattle's Seward Park when an evergreen tree collapsed onto the vehicle and killed him. His daughter, also in the vehicle only suffered minor injuries. The 520 bridge was closed in both directions for the first time in two year, it sustained minor wind damage.

Wider weather episode

About 250,000 people lost power. A 42 year old man died when his car was hit by a tree in Seattle's Seward Park. Several homes were damaged. Scaffolding at the UW was reduced to a pile of rubble by the winds. The Hwy 520 bridge and Hood Canal Bridge were closed for several hours, as was parts of I-405. There was minor damage to the 520 bridge draw span. A semi truck was toppled on the Tacoma Narrows bridge, halting traffic. Downed trees blocked two lanes of southbound 405 in Snohomish County. Washington State Ferries canceled or delayed several routes.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 615038. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.