West Seattle windstorm updates: Power outages; trees toppled; roads blocked

(SCROLL DOWN for newest power/road/other updates. 5:40 PM TOPLINES: Most WS power outages over; tree blocking EB bridge ramp from Avalon)

(Screengrab from City Light outage map showing only scattered outages left as of 6:28 pm – click to go to “live” map on SCL website)

1:46 PM: The wind has kicked up big time and we have the first reports of power outages. The Seattle City Light map is turning pink fast. Biggest outage so far in West Seattle: More than 1,600 homes/businesses from Beach Drive to Fauntleroy, roughly from Brandon to Morgan. Also, a tree’s down across northbound California, 4700 block in The Junction:

Thanks for the photo – text 206-293-6302 or editor@westseattleblog.com – you also can post photos in comments – and we’re of course on Twitter at @westseattleblog – where this just came in:

@westseattleblog Tree down on California Ln up hill from Harbor Ave. pic.twitter.com/CpyqHRLPkS

— s|n|a (@sna23) March 13, 2016

2:02 PM: We also have word of a tree down on Highland Park Way, and an HP outage.

2:10 PM: Just added a current screengrab of the City Light outage map. PLEASE stay home if you can – trees are coming down in many areas and you don’t want to be under the next one to fall. If you ARE out, please remember that when signals are out, they are a four-way stop – we have a Twitter report of people just “blowing through” signals that are out of power. And once you’ve reported problems, please be patient – so far more than 34,000 homes and businesses are out around the city.

2:24 PM: Speaking of signals, they are out on major routes including 16th through Highland Park (at Holden and Austin, according to a text we just received). Another reason to stay home unless it’s an emergency – some businesses are out of power. (Please let us know when you’re back as well as when you’re out!)

2:39 PM: Just in, a tree down across Fairmount Avenue toward the north end of the ravine between Admiral and Alki:

Thanks to Thore for that photo. Also just received – tree down on Avalon by Yancy (thanks to the person who texted this):

2:51 PM: Updated the outage-map screengrab for West Seattle again, atop this story. Doesn’t appear to have worsened in the past 20 minutes or so. Citywide, the number also has remained steady, around 35,000 customers (homes/businesses) out. But there goes another strong gust as we type – so don’t get complacent yet if your power has remained on (ours has in Upper Fauntleroy/Gatewood, so far). And as someone has pointed out in comments, we’re not being alarmist when we warn against going out if you don’t absolutely have to, because of the danger of falling trees – one has killed someone in Seward Park (here’s the SFD tweet). Signal outages are a hazard too – along with 16th, as mentioned earlier, the Morgan Junction outage has California/Fauntleroy out, as we just were reminded by a scanner mention.

3:04 PM: Thanks to Keith for word of tree trouble on northbound 35th between Alaska and Avalon. More trees are falling than in some windstorms, and that’s most likely because of how waterlogged the ground is from the far-above-average rainfall we’ve been having. If you’re anywhere near the water, especially west-facing WS, you’re seeing whitecaps and waves – Nick sent this from Me-Kwa-Mooks vicinity:

Many are asking “how long will our power be out?” Our stock answer is to assume the worst and be surprised if it’s better. Could be many hours, judging by past windstorms (we’ve covered them going back to the legendary one in December 2006, which was stronger than this and led to some people being out for more than a week). Citywide, the number of customers out is up to more than 40,000 now. Here’s SCL advice on what to do if/when your power’s out. … Also just heard via scanner, chain-link fence onto southbound 35th at Avalon; tree blocking the switchbacks from Upper Fauntleroy to Lincoln Park in Northrop/44th/Southern vicinity (added: photo from Linda)…

Also, tree trouble at 16th/Thistle. Scanner traffic continues to indicate that SCL and SDOT are maxed out right now so please do report but know you might not get a response soon. DON’T GO ANYWHERE NEAR DOWNED WIRES, PLEASE.

3:16 PM: From comments – Southwest Pool is now closed for the day because there’s no power. More trees down – Mariko sent this from 37th SW, near Willow:

And at Fauntleroy/Wildwood, south of the ferry dock – thanks to Jim:

3:38 PM: Thanks for the texts – a tree is down across part of the onramp to the eastbound bridge from Avalon/Admiral/etc.

The high-wind warning remains in effect until 11 pm – read it here.

4:05 PM: Thanks to Jay for the ferry/waves photo from Beach Drive/Alki Point area.

As mentioned earlier, businesses are affected in more than a few spots – Susan mentions in comments that the Morgan Junction outage includes West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor). We’ll be going out shortly for a look at some of the major areas. And we can’t say it enough – be careful and don’t go out if you don’t have to. Here’s a streetlight pole leaning at 16th/Trenton in Highland Park:

Thanks again to everyone sending photos.

4:42 PM: We have reports from Highland Park and High Point that some of the power is back on. We’re out now looking around and just happened to be at 16th and Holden when we saw that – the 16th lights ARE working. Meantime, at Delridge/Orchard, the signal is flashing red. Just texted from resident near SW Precinct that their power’s back too. We’ll update our outage-map screengrab shortly. … wait, maybe not; it appears to not be working at this moment.

4:51 PM: Just checked out the bridge-ramp-blocking tree firsthand:

Crew on scene of tree blocking EB bridge ramp from Avalon etc pic.twitter.com/qbTbyINjVV

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) March 13, 2016

Please let us know if you discover it open and we haven’t reported it yet – hard to tell how long it will take to clear. Meantime, get on the eastbound bridge from Fauntleroy or from Delridge.

As we continue our rounds – looks like California Lane’s blocking tree is cleared, as traffic is coming down the hill to Harbor Avenue. And the City Light map is back up. We’re traveling along Alki, which did NOT lose power this afternoon, and all the restaurants appear to be up and running.

5:02 PM: We’re along Beach Drive now – part of the central stretch is part of the remaining major outage zone in West Seattle, which also goes east to Morgan Junction, 1,600+ homes/businesses. Surf’s not too high along Beach Drive because the tide is relatively low right now.

5:13 PM: Just arrived in Morgan Junction and tweeted this pic:

Morgan Jct still out. But look – it's a @SEACityLight truck on Fauntleroy at California! pic.twitter.com/00GTkgDaGx

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) March 14, 2016

Our photographed just went into Thriftway – it IS open, no hot food in the deli, no frozen food sales, and some of their perishables are out of the cases for now. They’re also limiting cash back right now but otherwise they are running with generator power. Meantime, we’ve updated the SCL outage-map framegrab atop this story with the 5 pm view – reflecting the eastern West Seattle outages that are now over.

5:27 PM: Besides the trees being cleared from roads, tree services will be busy for days if not weeks with trees that have come down onto homes. Two are down on this house on SW Tillicum in Fauntleroy (thanks for texting the photo):

5:41 PM: Just got a text that 42nd/Graham has power restored, shortly after a text that it is back on in the 6300 block of Beach Drive. The SCL map shows only scattered small outages remaining in West Seattle, though across the service area, more than 41,000 customers are still without electricity.

5:56 PM: We just checked the bridge ramp again. Big progress for the crew but the ramp’s still closed. Also closed, SW Southern on the west side of California, because of a tree blocking the route down the hillside to neighborhoods east of Lincoln Park.

6:05 PM: Margie lost this 40+-year-old tree at her house near 39th/Andover:

We just checked back in The Junction, and the tree that fell in front of 4730 California hasn’t been cleaned up yet, but traffic’s going by both ways.

6:18 PM: Robert in Seola sent this photo, saying a family made a narrow escape:

He says they had just gotten out of the car when a tree fell on it, near where another tree had fallen across the road.

Also in southwest West Seattle, Gary sent this photo of a tree down at 35th and 111th – taking down a power line:

Later tonight, we will have a separate report on the aftermath of the storm, including any roads that remain closed … we appreciate updates, and thank EVERYONE again for all the information and photos throughout the afternoon – 206-293-6302, editor@westseattleblog.com

Greg March 13, 2016 (1:51 pm)

A tree came down on California Ave blocking the northbound lane across from NW Art & Frame

NW March 13, 2016 (4:39 pm)

Those trees in the junction split and branch out far too low on the trunk ,the leaders, creating a top heavy tree with leaves year round also increasing the danger of them falling. These are issues community organizations speak out and get the city to address.

JS March 13, 2016 (1:51 pm)

Big gusts up on Pigeon Point, but thankfully we still have our power.

K2 March 13, 2016 (1:54 pm)

A few big explosion like booms here in North Delridge by the Library. around 1:45…

Todd March 13, 2016 (1:56 pm)

Anyone else tired of living in a 3rd world city where a bit of wind leaves us without power, even though the city butchers our trees in the name of preventing power outages? Absolutely inexcusable. Instead the city would rather persist and increase ugly poles and power lines and keep investing in emergency crews and tree trimming kickbacks… rather than spending some money proactively to bury the power lines. Obviously it would have to be incrementally, but even that’s too much for our city. Instead they condition us to thinking it’s acceptable for Seattle residents to be without power even with the high frequency with which it happens.

LC March 13, 2016 (2:12 pm)

Agreed 100%!!! Underground power would make a lot more sense for a semi-coastal area where high winds are not a rare occurrence.
AMD March 13, 2016 (2:15 pm)

They’ve commented before about burying power lines. If you dig up trees to bury power lines, the soil loses stability. I think having no power for a few hours is far preferable to having your entire house slide down a hill.
- Sue March 13, 2016 (2:33 pm)
  
  You’re right that a “few hours” isn’t the biggest deal in most circumstances. But I lived in a WS neighborhood that once lost power for 5 days in extreme cold temperatures, and my car was locked behind a closed electric garage door. I ended up moving from there due to how many times we had significant power outages.
Resident March 13, 2016 (2:23 pm)

Oh sure. Let’s raise the electric rates by 3000% and tear the town up for the next fifty years so that we have underground power lines.

And maybe it would be a good idea to actually visit a third world country and see how people live there before comparing it to a silly inconvenience that a spoiled person has to suffer for a few hours a few times a year (at most. Our power has only gone out twice in 15 years)
- Todd March 13, 2016 (4:37 pm)
  
  I don’t think needing to do one’s job responsibly and respond to business critical issues counts as “spoiled”. Not to mention the many professionals with more important jobs than mine — doctors, emergency workers, etc. Nor do I think that being able to stay in contact with the world during events like this counts as “spoiled” — in today’s world, many phones are connected through the Internet, and modems go down in power outages like this. Sure there are cell phones but the batteries only last so long. And who do you think pays for the emergency crews earning double overtime and all of the tree trimming? How do you think those have affected your electricity rates?
  
  I don’t know if you’re employed or what kind of job you have, but maybe you should think about the people who want to be able to do their jobs well and responsibly before calling us spoiled. Apology accepted.

Tanya Hayes March 13, 2016 (1:57 pm)

No power California and Findley.

AMC March 13, 2016 (1:57 pm)

Lots of wind in Arbor Heights — but we still have power. Thank goodness! I need to finish my final research paper by today! C’mon power! Hold out for me!

AJ March 13, 2016 (1:57 pm)

In Sunrise Heights, lights flickered and my TV kept clicking on and off (decided I’d better leave it off for now), but nothing long enough to reset clocks…so far.

sam-c March 13, 2016 (1:58 pm)

i went outside to collect things blowing in the yard, and heard tons of sirens, but don’t know where. any trees down in puget ridge? lights flickering a couple times, but still on

Jamie March 13, 2016 (1:58 pm)

Tree down highland park way…the downward slope (bad with direction)

Jill March 13, 2016 (1:59 pm)

Power’s out here for the first time in years. Fairmount Park area between Findlay & Juneau. Construction across street doesn’t seem to be affected, unless they’re using a generator.

Dee March 13, 2016 (2:01 pm)

Power our 8400 block Delridge

Tami March 13, 2016 (2:01 pm)

Power out on 46th Ave SW between Juneau and Findlay.

Kristen March 13, 2016 (2:02 pm)

Powers out in south delridge. First time I’ve ever lost power living in west Seattle.

Rain City West March 13, 2016 (2:03 pm)

Just lost power in Highland Park. Switching to battery mode.

Trickycoolj March 13, 2016 (2:03 pm)

High Point is out near 31 and Morgan/Sylvan.

Ellen March 13, 2016 (2:04 pm)

Power just went out in High Point.

Mark Erskine March 13, 2016 (2:04 pm)

Tree and power line down blocking upper Thistle steps.

AJ March 13, 2016 (2:06 pm)

And a few minutes after posting my first message, the power did go out in Sunrise Heights. 😒

SunriseHeights March 13, 2016 (2:07 pm)

Power is out at 28th & Webster

h March 13, 2016 (2:08 pm)

Out in Westwood near Thistle and 32nd

Andy March 13, 2016 (2:08 pm)

Power lost at 30th & Thisle St.

Mike March 13, 2016 (2:08 pm)

We lost power in Highland Park at 7th ave Sw and SW Cloverdale at 2:00 pm.

Dcn March 13, 2016 (2:10 pm)

Power out 28th and Thistle. Also out on Delridge at Trenton and vicinity.

Anonymous March 13, 2016 (2:10 pm)

Power out between Westwood and chief sealth. We’ve never lost power here before

Charlie March 13, 2016 (2:11 pm)

Out at 25th and Trenton (Westwood).

Charlie B March 13, 2016 (2:11 pm)

No power at Thistle and 30th

Sue March 13, 2016 (2:12 pm)

Lights flickering wildly here in the Alaska Junction – thankfully I still have power, but it’s early yet.

LC March 13, 2016 (2:15 pm)

Buckle up buckaroo, it’s going to get worse before it gets better!!

H March 13, 2016 (2:12 pm)

Don’t come up marginal way, police on sence huge tree fell onto road.

Rob March 13, 2016 (2:14 pm)

We had a large branch come down in our front yard and take out the power. We reported it to Seattle City Light. Do we need to get the branch removed before they will address the wire, or will SCL address the wire first? Any recommendations for tree removal services? Never had this happen to us before, so thanks for the help!

WSB March 13, 2016 (2:23 pm)

Rob – if it’s taken down a wire, don’t even try to touch it, please – City Light is now in overload but if you’ve reported it they’ll eventually get there.

Jesse March 13, 2016 (2:14 pm)

Power has been out in South Tacoma for 30 minutes now. Very high wind gusts. Some of the biggest gusts I’ve heard and seen in a few yrs. My home is even moaning from movement.

Ray March 13, 2016 (2:15 pm)

Power line down across 26th Ave SW, just south of Alaska.

LC March 13, 2016 (2:17 pm)

Power still on west of 35th (better lines on this side).

nachobeaver March 13, 2016 (2:17 pm)

power just went out @ 17th and trenton sounds like most of highland park is toast

Mr Clean March 13, 2016 (2:20 pm)

Don’t let the wind blow away your common sense!!! I just spent an hour knocking on doors letting people in my neighborhood know that their garbage and recycling bins were open and trash and recyclables were blowing up and down the street because they had put them out on the curb already.

Shane March 13, 2016 (2:20 pm)

Traffic lights out California and Fauntleroy

sam-c March 13, 2016 (2:26 pm)

it seems to have died down since the biggest gusts an hour ago. Is it done? asking for a friend that needs to get to costco ;)

Sevenless March 13, 2016 (2:31 pm)

You might want to call Costco and make sure they’re open and have power before heading out – the City Light map shows an outage in that area.
AMD March 13, 2016 (3:15 pm)

In case you’re serious, I would advise against it.

I just got this genius idea to head to Home Depot because I’m a moron. They’re open and running on generators. But every light down Delridge is out (and for some reason people think the rules are different at the Orchard intersection) and there are tree branches all over the road.

I have magnets for my craft project, but it wasn’t worth it. Just stay home until it’s actually over if you can avoid it.

ck March 13, 2016 (2:26 pm)

20th/Elmgrove checking in, power is out. Thank you West Seattle Blog for being on top of things, as usual!

Mr Clean March 13, 2016 (2:28 pm)

Yeah, Sam, it’s over. Go run your errands…

WSB March 13, 2016 (2:31 pm)

No, it’s not. Still big time up here in Upper Fauntleroy.

Pixie March 13, 2016 (2:31 pm)

32nd and Holden- west side of street blinked off but came right back on. According to the map, looks like East side of street is

out. I believe they are on a different “switch”. (Sorry, can’t remember the correct word)

Mr Clean March 13, 2016 (2:41 pm)

Yea, I was obviously kidding…

Cathy March 13, 2016 (2:43 pm)

Signal out at Orchard and Deltidge and folks are just blowing through the intersection, be really careful,also large branches coming down on sylvan way

Mike March 13, 2016 (2:43 pm)

We are getting the strongest gusts yet in Highland park, just north of the West Seattle reservoir.

Sevenless March 13, 2016 (2:44 pm)

Not directly WS related, but WSDOT just closed the 520 bridge due to high winds, and the EB I-90 bridge has a bunch of detours and lane shifts due to construction, so there’s even more incentive to stay home.

Robert March 13, 2016 (2:44 pm)

Woman killed in Seward park when a tree fell on her vehicle.

JanS March 13, 2016 (2:52 pm)

so sorry to hear that….. :(

JanS March 13, 2016 (2:45 pm)

so far so good up here in Admiral by Safeway…..lights flickered a couple of times or so, but….lucky us, I guess

Topher March 13, 2016 (2:48 pm)

Power out on 18th and Elmgrove/Kenyon

Vicky March 13, 2016 (2:48 pm)

Power was out at Target (Westwood Village)

J242 March 13, 2016 (2:51 pm)

Any response from PSE yet? Definitely going through “first world problems” so it’s not a huge deal or anything, just wondering. I’d like to not the chicken, salmon and venison in my freezer thaw out if at all possible.

WSB March 13, 2016 (2:56 pm)

J242 – PSE is gas, Seattle City Light is electricity. They’re getting to outages as fast as they can but assume the worst and then be pleasantly surprised if it’s sooner. Likely hours. Windstorm repairs generally haven’t been speedy, in the almost-a-decade we’ve covered/experienced them.
Trickycoolj March 13, 2016 (2:57 pm)

PSE does not service electricity, Seattle City Light does and they’re live tweeting their repair statuses.
Sevenless March 13, 2016 (2:58 pm)

If your freezer is reasonably full, the food should stay safely frozen for at least 24 hours if you don’t open the door and let out the cold air. Your fridge should likewise keep perishables safely cold for at least 4 hours as long as the door stays closed. The USDA has a helpful website with this and more info.

herongrrrl March 13, 2016 (3:00 pm)

J242, if you leave the freezer closed and your power is out for less than 24 hours, most of your stuff should be fine, especially if it isn’t stored in the freezer door.

AA March 13, 2016 (3:01 pm)

Tree on a house just south of the ferry terminal. Police have the road blocked off.

Anne March 13, 2016 (3:04 pm)

Staff just let me know – power is out at Southwest Pool (28th and Thistle) and the pool will be closed for the rest of the day.

Pretty windy here at my home in Admiral District, but the power is still on!

Anne B.

Asst. Aquatic Center Coordinator, SW Pool

WSB March 13, 2016 (3:11 pm)

Thanks, Anne. Will add to the narrative and will tweet too.

Regarding what SCL is tweeting – PLEASE know, especially if you’re new here or haven’t been out of power before, the “estimated restoration time” is NOT something to put much stock in. They are just guesstimates (they acknowledge that, and we know it from years of covering multiple outage situations each year). Could be sooner, could be lots later, and I really wish SCL wouldn’t even use them, but I guess it’s some solace. – TR

Matt S. March 13, 2016 (3:05 pm)

Is it just me, or does the map always seem to start turning pink in the exact same areas? We’re in Belvidere or south-Admiral(ish) or something, and it seems like our neighbors to the south consistently get the worst of the power outages.

Alan March 13, 2016 (3:14 pm)

Riverview seems to be an exception. We still have power but are usually the first to lose it. I’m not gloating, as it is early in the storm.

reese March 13, 2016 (3:07 pm)

Lght pole leaning on 16th sw and trenton

Scott Scowcroft March 13, 2016 (3:09 pm)

Not that it’s especially interesting, but you can check out a live video of the storm from our Gatewood neighborhood back yard here: https://blab.im/thescottytreatment-seattle-wind-storm-live-no-audio 

ag March 13, 2016 (3:13 pm)

Been out for an hour in Westwood area as many reported. Anyone know where the tree is down? Per SCL, this one is due to a tree down and eta for restoration is 8pm. Darn it. Pot roast in the oven is hopefully retaining heat, but that’s dinner ruined. Bah.

melissa March 13, 2016 (3:16 pm)

If you have a grill and a thick pot, AG, you can put some water and several cups of tomatoes into that pot with the roast and cook it on low for several hours. Just check periodically and add more water as needed. Should work well.
- Alan March 13, 2016 (3:30 pm)
  
  That is going to be difficult without power. I am waiting for someone to offer their oven in exchange for a serving or two.

Ktrapp March 13, 2016 (3:37 pm)

Tree down on a West Marginal around the Duwamish Longhouse. Blocking the right northbound lane. All southbound lanes are fine, and the left northbound lane only had minor debris. This was around 3:20.

WSB March 13, 2016 (3:38 pm)

Thanks, K – didn’t have that one.

David March 13, 2016 (3:39 pm)

Our lights have flickered a few times in our apartment on Beach Drive, just north of Me Kwa Mooks Park near La Rustica, but no outages. We’re just sitting and watching all the waves and the seagulls flying backwards. The power poles are flexing, but don’t look like they’ll come down. There’s a bus stop sign that looks like it might blow off its hinge, but might just look worse than it is. We’re seeing a lot of runners, people walking dogs, and cyclists going by despite the wind.

Susan March 13, 2016 (3:59 pm)

Was irritated to see Morgan Thriftway had lost power and I don’t see it reported here yet so I thought I would do so. Not their fault they didn’t have power but I was hangry after working today. Seems like Morgan Thriftway “always” loses power during a windstorm… Or is that just me who notices that? I wasn’t here for the August windstorm so I cannot be certain.

WSB March 13, 2016 (4:04 pm)

Thanks, Susan. We mentioned Morgan Junction in general – that includes some of the businesses; we’re going out shortly to check on businesses in general, but appreciate updates at 206-293-6302 (text or voice) or here. Will add to story.

Bryan March 13, 2016 (4:00 pm)

Power was out only briefly (lucky so far) but DSL is out. (Phone line is OK, which is surprising.) Anyone else having that issue? North of Holden just west of 16th.

Jason Grube March 13, 2016 (4:02 pm)

WSB March 13, 2016 (4:03 pm)

Thanks – that’s the bridge ramp, still? It’s in the story. Don’t know how soon it’ll be cleared, since SDOT/SCL crews are so maxed out.

ag March 13, 2016 (4:07 pm)

Thank you Melissa. It was already on for 3 hours in cast iron Dutch oven so I suspect it’s retained enough heat to finish cooking, but the BBQ is absolutely a backup plan.

ghs March 13, 2016 (4:13 pm)

Welp at least its not too horribly cold and daylight savings will provide daylight a little later. I have my battery radio playing, a fire going, and candles ready to go at dusk so pretty cozy down on Beach Drive. Glad Downton Abbey finale was last week :).