Storms through Friday morning; lightning fells trees in Shelton



SEATTLE -- Thunderstorms will be the rule through Friday morning commute for everyone. There will be frequent lightning, large hail, heavy rain and gusty winds.

Expect standing water on the roadways and use caution. Most of these storms will be south of Everett, but we can all expect some storms.

Viewers sent in photos of trees felled by lightning in Shelton. Lightning was believed responsible for knocking out power to 24,000 Peninsula Light customers in Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula at around 6 p.m. Thursday. Most had power back on by 8 p.m. Lightning also reportedly hit and damaged Mountain View Elementary School in Shelton.

Lightning struck this tree in Shelton and destroyed it. Photo by viewer Jil Kroupa.



Use the 5-second per mile rule. See the lightning flash and if it BOOMS within 5 seconds, the storm is less than a mile away. Take shelter indoors.

Starting Friday evening, the weather becomes much better. The stormy weather will continue in the mountains on Saturday but most other areas will be nice.

Sunday -- and all of next week -- we go back to summer with lots of sun and highs in the 80s.

Lightning hit this tree at Fairmont Cove Apartments in Shelton on top of my brother's apartment. (Photo by viewer Paul)



Damage done at Mountain View Elementary School in Shelton after a lightning bolt hit the pole pictured above. (Photo: Richard and Dawn Holmgren)