Strong summer storm kills 2; knocks out power to half a million in western Washington



SEATTLE -- A strong storm brought rain and wind Saturday knocking down utility poles and trees across western Washington, and was blamed for at least two deaths.

A 36-year-old man driving down a Gig Harbor road was struck by a tree and killed. According to Gig Harbor police, a 3-year-old girl was in the car at the time and was uninjured.

In Federal Way, a falling tree branch struck and killed a 10-year-old girl. Authorities said efforts to resuscitate the girl were unsuccessful.

The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning for much of the region with sustained winds of 20-35 mph with gusts up to 50+ in some areas. The warning expired at 6 p.m. Saturday.

The highest gust recorded so far was 87 mph on the Washington coast.



More wet weather was in the forecast. Q13 FOX's Parella Lewis says the biggest rain maker passed over us on Saturday, but there will be scattered showers through mid-week.

(If you haven't already, you can download the free Q13 FOX Weather App to track the path of the storm)








        Comcast XFINITY also reported service interruptions to many customers in Washington as a result of some commercial power outages.

        Gusty winds knocked down numerous trees across the area causing traffic trouble with long delays impacting area highways including I-5, I-405, SR 99 and SR 522.

        (Check our live traffic map here >>)

        Our viewers shared dozens of photos of storm damage. Danny Crelling captured this downed tree blocking N. 26th in Tacoma. It damaged a pickup truck in the process: