High Wind — Tacoma Area, Washington

2016-03-13 · Tacoma Area, Washington

Event narrative

The Gray Field ASOS recorded a peak wind of 58 mph. A semi-truck toppled over on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, temporarily halting eastbound traffic.

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 615039. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.