More than 100,000 without power as storm hits the Pacific Northwest



SEATTLE -- High winds toppled trees and power lines, causing thousands to lose power and roads to be closed across Washington.

Outages were reported all over the area, with more than 100,000 people in the dark Friday evening.

Around 7:30 p.m., more than 44,000 people were without power in Seattle.



Some businesses like Walgreens on 35th Avenue closed their doors for the night because. Many were just trying to stay warm.

“I’m just waiting it out. I’m just going to pick up some ice here. My wife has some breast milk that she’s hoping to keep cold so I’m doing everything I can to keep lit and keep everything going,” said Eric Galioto, a West Seattle resident.

Nearly 10,000 people were in the dark near Gig Harbor in Pierce County, according to Peninsula Light Company.

Puget Sound Energy reported nearly 50,000 outages across the region. Their website was down at 8:10 p.m.

Multiple reports of people without lights were coming in to Snohomish County PUD. At 8:11 p.m., nearly 50,000 people were without power.

The city of Port Angeles declared a state of emergency due to severe wind conditions and power loss Friday night.

Lights were out “countywide” in the afternoon, according to Clallam County PUD. Officials said the Port Angeles Police Department was dealing with a high volume of calls for service since early morning.

Officials encouraged people in Clallam County to begin "conserving water" wherever possible.



West of Port Angeles, Washington, downed trees and power lines caused the temporary closure of 22 miles of state Route 112. Utility companies said thousands of customers lost power around the northern Olympic Peninsula.

Winds also pummeled the Washington coast.

Olympic National Park officials closed the visitor center in Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge Road and the Hoh Visitor Center for the day.

Wind damage was reported nearly everywhere in Western Washington, with Bothell, Medina, Tacoma and other places reporting power lines on roads.


Weather ahead


A wind advisory for the Puget Sound from Skagit down to Lewis counties was extended until 10 p.m. Friday. Heavy rains and gusts of wind were expected to continue through the evening.

The high wind warning for the coast, near Port Townsend, San Juans, Whatcom Counties have all been allowed to expire due the passage of the front.

Weather calms down overnight with a flood warning still continuing into the overnight hours. The areas impacted will be the always flood-prone Skokomish River in Mason County. The high surf advisory for our coastal beaches  is expected to expire Friday.

We get a big break Saturday with just mostly cloudy skies. So, if you're got errands to run, outdoor activities or storm damage clean up-- this your shot.

The next storm rolls in off the Pacific by Saturday night. Sunday and Monday all look pretty soggy.



DETAILED OUTLOOK:

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy and mainly dry.  A transition day between weather systems.  A chance of rain returns late in the day/evening hours. Highs near 50.

SUNDAY: More rain on tap. Winds will pick up too out of the east- southeast. The gusts should be below the threshold for a WIND ADVISORY between 20-30 mph. High near 50.

MONDAY: Cloudy, wet and breezy. Highs near 50.

TUESDAY: Lots of clouds and rain at times. Highs near 50.

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY:  On/off scattered passing showers. Maybe some breaks of sun in between. Highs near 50.

FRIDAY: Hello, winter! The season officially begins at 2:33p in our time zone. Drier and cooler air moves in with highs in the mid 40s.