Wind gusts top 60 mph as storm blows down trees, knocks out power



SEATTLE -- An intense rain storm moved through Western Washington Thursday morning, but was followed up very quickly by damaging winds.

Gusts of up to 60 miles per hour hit some areas of Western Washington.

Reports of downed trees and power outage began coming in after noon across the region.

Fletcher Bay Road NE and Bucklin Hill Road was blocked on Bainbridge Island by trees and power lines down.

South Kitsap Fire and Rescue said a light pole down on Mile Hill Road and Higgins Road in Port Orchard may have led to a crash involving two cars around 1:15 p.m.  One of the people had to be cut out of the car.

Viewers shared photos and video of storm damage with Q13 FOX on Facebook and Twitter.



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Puget Sound Energy crews were responding to power outages in King, Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, Whatcom, Skagit & Island Counties. Power had been restored to most customers by 9:30 p.m.

High winds and rough seas canceled afternoon Ferry crossings between Port Townsend and Coupville.

Video of the last boat into Coupville Thursday morning shows a precarious situation as the captain delicately maneuvers the large vessel through white caps and punishing gusts.



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The National Weather Service said that the weather station on Destruction Island off the Washington Coast reported sustained southwest winds at 57 miles per hour and a gust of 63 miles an hour just before noon.

By late afternoon, Everett had wind gusts of 49 mph, up to 38 mph in Tacoma and 39 mph in Seattle.

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