WINDSTORM: West Seattle power outages, 7,200+ customers at peak; trees down; big waves…

4 PM: Thanks for all the tips – power’s out over what seems to be a wide area of West Seattle – so far reports include Alki, Admiral, Avalon/Genesee – updates to come. And remember that a dark traffic signal (we’ve heard California/Admiral and 35th/Avalon and Delridge/Genesee are out, among others) is a 4-way stop!

4:05 PM: Also via scanner, trees are reported down in the 1500 block of Ferry and 7100 block of 31st SW (photo added above – came down right between two cars) . … City Light map has just updated, 6,700+ customers out.

4:16 PM: Ferry Avenue is blocked because of the tree trouble. Screengrab of City Light map added above. … Police radio indicates there are also lines down at California Way/Harbor.

4:28 PM: Multiple reports of an explosion-type sound in the Fairmount Playfield area after the initial outage started – looks like that area now has a pocket outage of its own, 91 customers:

4:46 PM: The National Weather Service still has the Wind Advisory alert set to expire at 6 pm. Peak gusts so far today have included 48 mph at Sea-Tac. Meantime, the City Light map shows several small pocket outages in addition to the 6,700+ and 91 out in the ones we’ve mentioned.

5:12 PM: Thanks to Susan Elderkin for the photo of tree branch vs. fire that led to the Fairmount outage:

That is in the 5400 block of 40th SW. … Thanks to Jamie Kinney for sending video of wind-fueled waves along West Seattle’s west-facing shores – first, Lowman Beach:

Next, Constellation Park:

5:36 PM: Note that some businesses are affected, particularly in the Admiral Junction. In comments, Shelby says Admiral Safeway is open though out of power – refrigerated/frozen items aren’t being sold right now, so the cases can remain closed.

6:48 PM: Just drove through much of the outsge zone – Admiral Junction businesses and traffic signals dark, though the power picks up again at California/Lander. The wind has calmed.

7:01 PM: Re-checking the SCL map, we noticed there’s also a pocket of 454 out at the east end of the SW Roxbury corridor, so we’ve updated the total out in West Seattle to 7,200+.

8:01 PM: No updates yet. While we always warn that SCL’s “estimated restoration time” is a useless guesstimate, even that hasn’t been updated, nor has the cause, though the crews seem to be focused on Ferry Avenue. We couldn’t get close to the scene but have received these photos – first, from Treehugger:

There’s also a pole down in the area:

Here’s where the road is closed:

(Thanks to Susanna Moore from longtime WSB sponsor Niederberger Contracting for that photo.) SCL says it’s handling 60 different outages throughout its service zone. Meantime, though the wind has lessened, it was still enough for some sunset surf at Alki:

Thanks to Samantha Lazar – a teenage volleyball player who was practicing at the beach at sunset, despite the wind – for the photo.

8:44 PM: Getting word in comments and via texts that many if not all have just come back online. The map may lag ~15 minutes in accurately reflecting who’s still out, so thanks for the updates!

9:01 PM: The map is updated. Still 1,000+ out scattered around West Seattle – primarily the tip of the peninsula plus that pocket at the east end of the Roxbury corridor.

10:04 PM: No change in the past hour. Below is the map of who’s still out, for the record – most of the markers in West Seattle are single-digit outages, except for the two in the north, and the pockets in Fairmount and Myers/Olson.

11:20 PM: One of the north-end pockets is back, so we’re now at about 800 out around West Seattle after 7 1/2 hours.

12:46 AM: Checked the map and almost everyone’s back on, in West Seattle.

108 Replies to "WINDSTORM: West Seattle power outages, 7,200+ customers at peak; trees down; big waves..."

  • AN October 13, 2020 (4:03 pm)

    Thanks again WSB! I barely had time to figure out what was happening, check SEA city light which was not quite updated & you folks are already on it! Thanks to the tipsters and thanks to WSB for all you do!

    • WSB October 13, 2020 (4:07 pm)

      Their latest version of mapping can lag by 15 minutes or so, so the early reports are vital. Thanks.

  • John Forbes October 13, 2020 (4:05 pm)

    Power is out here in Admiral!!!

    • Hill Pierce October 13, 2020 (5:46 pm)

      There is a downed power pole on Ferry just uphill from lower junction with California.  Power lines lying in the street. Looks like this will take some time.

  • Test October 13, 2020 (4:08 pm)

    The estimated restoration says 17:00 on the SCL outage map

    • WSB October 13, 2020 (4:14 pm)

      Remember, the estimated restoration time is ABSOLUTELY MEANINGLESS. Could be a lot sooner or a lot later. Latter more likely given that City Light crews are busy.

  • Chris October 13, 2020 (4:12 pm)

    Power went out at 49th and Andover about 10 minutes ago.

    • Aimee October 13, 2020 (8:01 pm)

      This is such a bummer!

  • Keenan October 13, 2020 (4:13 pm)

    Good ole WSB

  • Ang October 13, 2020 (4:13 pm)

    Power is out on 25th Ave SW. went out and back on twice but remains off….

  • SH October 13, 2020 (4:15 pm)

    BIG bang near 38th Ave SW at SW Dawson St.  Might have been a transformer, but power still seems to be on here.  

  • Rooster October 13, 2020 (4:17 pm)

    Not sure if related,  but just heard a loud boom in Fairmont Park area.

    • WSB October 13, 2020 (4:19 pm)

      They’re checking out a report called in from 5400 block of 40th SW, though it was after the outage started.

      • Rooster October 13, 2020 (4:25 pm)

        That’s it. Still have power. Maybe tree trouble? Will cautiously take a look down the block…

        • Kelle October 13, 2020 (4:34 pm)

          There is a tree branch draping over the power lines in the alley of the 5300 block and in between Fauntleroy and 40th. We are all out of power at this point and also heard the loud boom around 4pm. 

          • WSB October 13, 2020 (4:39 pm)

            Thanks. We’ve since noted the separate 91-customer outage in your area.

      • SE October 13, 2020 (4:29 pm)

        No power on the east side of the 5400 block of 40th Ave SW, but power on the west side. 

    • Fairmont Park October 13, 2020 (4:49 pm)

      I heard the loud boom at 38th and Hudson,  but we still have power. I was sure it was going to go off,  but didn’t. 

  • Al King October 13, 2020 (4:24 pm)

    Everything’s stayed on at 61st and Stevens.

  • Makepono October 13, 2020 (4:39 pm)

    Didnt notice anything until wife opened fridge around 4:30.  We’re both working on battery the whole time and my fiber optic router/modem is on a UPS, so no disruption to work/internet.

    40th & Andover

  • newnative October 13, 2020 (4:43 pm)

    it seems that the wind is getting worse too. 

  • MGP October 13, 2020 (4:44 pm)

    Power pole is down on Ferry Ave between Massachusetts and California. SFD on scene. 

    • WSB October 13, 2020 (4:53 pm)

      I suspect that may be the source of all this. I heard it as a tree but we haven’t made it up there yet – hope to in the next half-hour or so, thanks.

      • MGP October 13, 2020 (4:57 pm)

        City Light now at the scene. 

      • MGP October 13, 2020 (5:26 pm)

        City Light crew on scene conducting damage assessments. 

        • Mike October 13, 2020 (5:56 pm)

          Peanut butter on pumpernickel makes good emergency rations!

          • Clinton October 13, 2020 (6:57 pm)

            I swear every time  I see or hear the word pumpernickel it makes me think of the old daffy duck Cartoons when he was the Scarlett pumpernickel.  Sigh.  Good times.

        • Grenk October 13, 2020 (6:00 pm)

          Thanks for the updates!

  • Mj October 13, 2020 (5:16 pm)

    No power Admiral, hoping it gets back on soon.  One positive is that SCL does not charge you when the power is out, my experience with other service providers they keep charging you.  Xfinity kept charging the regional sports fee even when no sports were happening, quite annoying!

  • Shelby October 13, 2020 (5:21 pm)

    Power is out at the Admiral Way Safeway, but we are still open. However, all the dairy, meat, frozen and refrigerated cases are closed in order to keep the food cold. So we can’t sell you cold stuff, but everything else is available.

    • newnative October 13, 2020 (5:31 pm)

      thanks, I was thinking about walking south to see who is open because cold tuna fish doesn’t sound like a good dinner. 

    • WSB October 13, 2020 (5:35 pm)

      Thank you for the update!

  • flimflam October 13, 2020 (5:28 pm)

    ooh, i feel a record in the making! over 25 posts in an hour or so!!

  • Mon October 13, 2020 (5:36 pm)

    Power is out at Cal and College 

  • Avery Zimmer October 13, 2020 (6:07 pm)

    I was walking my dog and i heard a large explosion type sound by Arch and Walnut. My power is now out, by Met Market

  • Greg October 13, 2020 (6:07 pm)

    Here is the situation at Ferry & Massachusetts…

  • kurtis October 13, 2020 (6:09 pm)

    waah really better charge my flash light

  • AMD October 13, 2020 (6:14 pm)

    I have branches in my yard from trees I don’t recognize.  Hopefully this will be the last bit of wind for a few days so we have time to clean up.  

  • Kadoo October 13, 2020 (6:14 pm)

    Power is still on west of the Alaska Junction. 

  • Nazleen October 13, 2020 (6:24 pm)

    Any update when power could likely be restored?

    • WSB October 13, 2020 (6:47 pm)

      We couldn’t get close to the work scene on Ferry.

      • Treehugger October 13, 2020 (7:34 pm)

        Just west of Marination on lower Ferry St. one pole replacement needed and lots of clearing with chainsaws.

  • Don humble October 13, 2020 (6:30 pm)

    Power out on west side of 5600 block of 40th. Huge branch hanging in wires of alley between Faunleroy and 5600 block of 40th, hanging on lower wites for telco and cable but not high enough to catch  high voltag AC wires.

    • Don Humble October 13, 2020 (6:57 pm)

      Power out on EAST side of 5600 block of 40th.

  • Shelby October 13, 2020 (6:40 pm)

    Update from Safeway – we’re still open, but our deli is now closed, too. We have a fine selection of room temperature, shelf-stable foods, but nothing hot or cold.

  • newnative October 13, 2020 (7:02 pm)

    There was an collision at 42nd Ave SW and Admiral, at least two cars both in the Crossfit gym. We had just walked through that intersection. People are blowing through intersections and honking at each other for no decent recent. 

    • WSB October 13, 2020 (8:59 pm)

      We drove by that. Didn’t look too bad. And I guess we got lucky – most fellow drivers behaved at the light-less intersections we went through – 35th/Avalon, Avalon/Genesee, California/Admiral, etc.

  • Mcd October 13, 2020 (7:03 pm)

    Anyone having issues with water? Our water pressure is low and tap water tastes bad. 41st and Hinds

  • David October 13, 2020 (7:15 pm)

    Power still out on Avalon by 7-Eleven, hope power gets restored soon, I’m hungry and everything I have requires cooking….and light… Can’t see a thing.

  • Tanej October 13, 2020 (7:22 pm)

    No power 35th & Fauntleroy since 4p. Can see lights up towards Alaska & Fauntleroy.  Dark ALL around here

  • Hortsig October 13, 2020 (7:23 pm)

    And good luck trying to order anything to take home for dinner…restaurants not answering their phones, and going to the businesses it’s over an hour wait time…good this doesn’t happen often…

    • WSB October 13, 2020 (7:30 pm)

      We just went through most of the outage zone, and the heart of Admiral is out – but The Junction is unaffected.

  • Henrythepainter October 13, 2020 (7:26 pm)

    Stop light went  out 35th and  avalon ,  please drive  carefully!!!   Stay  alert  

  • Michel October 13, 2020 (7:37 pm)

    Does anyone know if SCL plans to make it possible to notify their customers when there is an outage? I generally prefer it over my previous utility in California (PG&E) but at least they’re quite good at pushing notifications about power cuts and restoration ETAs

  • Dana Donovick October 13, 2020 (7:42 pm)

    NO HOPE IN SIGHT!!!Unfortunately I drove to the corner of Alki (S. Harbor) & California Ave (across the street from the commuter ferry) and the street is closed. A few massive trees fell on the power lines. I don’t see power being restored until sometime early in the morning. It looks really bad. Is anyone else frustrated with how often the power goes out in WS? The city needs to hire arborists to deal with trees near power lines —this is becoming a joke.

    • Kelly October 14, 2020 (7:44 am)

      I agree Dana!  And if only someone would give Mother Nature a good smackdown then we would stop having to ‘suffer’ for hours!

      And Hortsig:  How DARE restaurants not answer their phones during a power outage so that you can eat on time when you’re hungry!Sigh…

  • SoAdmiralk October 13, 2020 (7:44 pm)

    Still out near 48th & Hanford

  • NRiha October 13, 2020 (7:47 pm)

    Power still out along 25th Ave SW. (we are near Brandon and 25th)

  • Ryan Tansy October 13, 2020 (7:47 pm)

    Still out. Thx for updates. 

  • Patricia davis October 13, 2020 (7:51 pm)

    Tracy can you keep us updated on when power will be restored?  DARK and cold

    • WSB October 13, 2020 (7:57 pm)

      Soon as we find something out!

  • Sarah October 13, 2020 (7:59 pm)

    Hi! Any status update on how the repair is going? Is Seattle City Light on scene? Are they making progress? Thanks so much for all your efforts!

  • West Seattle Coug October 13, 2020 (8:07 pm)

    We lost cable and internet around 7:40 and Comcast is reporting outages all over the WS area – we’re in the Belvidere (Admiral) area. 

  • Skott October 13, 2020 (8:07 pm)

    This seems like a long time for an outage in this area

  • Ian October 13, 2020 (8:09 pm)

    Still out by Saltys on Alki. Thanks for these community updates!

  • Skott October 13, 2020 (8:14 pm)

    Any update from SCL?

  • Kay October 13, 2020 (8:17 pm)

    Alki is still dark

  • JG October 13, 2020 (8:24 pm)

    830 and still no power on Alki. 

  • Diane October 13, 2020 (8:27 pm)

    Power out on 45th betw Genesee and Dakota and surrounding blockssea City Light says most restored with isolated outages. Doesn’t look that waysays restoration 7 pm and last updated at 8 pm with 6780 affected and cause unknown

  • Scott October 13, 2020 (8:38 pm)

    Anyone notice a drop in water pressure in the Admiral area?  Is power out at the water tower on Charlestown St?

  • MJ October 13, 2020 (8:41 pm)

    Yay, power on in Admiral

  • Michelle October 13, 2020 (8:42 pm)

    We’re back on at 38th and Genesee!

  • 11epees October 13, 2020 (8:42 pm)

    Woot!  Shoutout to WSB!! Thank you!

  • Alisha October 13, 2020 (8:42 pm)

    Power is back on along Avalon way :) 

  • Lauren October 13, 2020 (8:43 pm)

    Power is back near Genesee along 50th Ave SW!

  • Kathy M October 13, 2020 (8:43 pm)

    We are back on! 36th and Dakota. Near Buddha Ruksa.reataurant.

  • Tyna Ek October 13, 2020 (8:43 pm)

    My power just came back on in Belvidere (2 blocks off Admiral)

  • Jimmy Pat October 13, 2020 (8:44 pm)

    SCL just changed the estimated repair time to 2:34am

  • Avalon Resident October 13, 2020 (8:45 pm)

    Back on at Avalon/Genessee as of 8:40pm!

  • Tf October 13, 2020 (8:45 pm)

    Just came back on at 41st and Dakota – 8:42 pm

  • Maya October 13, 2020 (8:45 pm)

    Power restored at Delridge and Genesee at 8:40 pm. 

  • Beetle October 13, 2020 (8:48 pm)

    The power is back on at Alki.

  • West Seattle since 1979 October 13, 2020 (8:49 pm)

    36th and Genesee came on maybe 20 minutes ago.

  • Wendy October 13, 2020 (8:49 pm)

    Power just came back on the 1100 block on Alki.

  • gnarlotte October 13, 2020 (8:50 pm)

    Back on 54th PL SW

  • Mon October 13, 2020 (8:52 pm)

    Yippee!! Power back on at California and College!!!

  • AdmiralSDV October 13, 2020 (8:53 pm)

    Power back in Admiral, next to Safeway

  • Shelby October 13, 2020 (8:55 pm)

    We have power back at Safeway, but the cold cases are still closed off, as they need to get back down to the right temperature before we unsheathe them. Keeping them wrapped and closed will speed up that process.  It will be a little while before we can open those cases back up for business. 

  • drM October 13, 2020 (8:59 pm)

    And… then Seattle Light said…let there be light… and so it was!!

  • Peter S. October 13, 2020 (9:00 pm)

    Back on 52nd / Stevens at approximately  20:50.  Thanks SCL crews !!

  • R October 13, 2020 (9:57 pm)

    Harbor & Florida: Nearly 10pm, still no power. Going on 6 hours with no electricity, not sure how the city can allow this to happen. Brutal.

  • Bill at Dueamish Head October 13, 2020 (10:57 pm)

    Just got home from work, power still out here at the tip of our island.

  • Don Humble October 13, 2020 (11:04 pm)

    Power still out on 40th  in Fairmount.

    • Jeanette October 13, 2020 (11:28 pm)

      how much longer for Fairmont?

  • Aj October 14, 2020 (12:45 am)

    Power’s back.  Fauntleroy & Brandon.  

  • WSB October 14, 2020 (12:45 am)

    Thanks for the update!

  • Don Humble October 14, 2020 (12:55 am)

    Still no power to 5600 block 40th, Findlay to Juneau.

    • WSB October 14, 2020 (1:25 am)

      Looks like a pocket of about 19 customers. Hope it’s not much longer!

      • Don Humble October 14, 2020 (6:09 am)

        Still no power for 40th in Fairmount.
        14 hours now.

    • Don Humble October 14, 2020 (1:52 am)

      Latest from SCL is Fairmont should power up by 02:39 wed am.

  • JAH October 14, 2020 (1:26 am)

    yea im in the fairmont pocket and it’s still out, this really sucks lmao

  • Don Humble October 14, 2020 (3:27 am)

    Still dead east side of 40th to Juneau..

  • Jim Herrmann October 14, 2020 (5:25 am)

    No Comcast this morning. Technician appointment 9-11am.

  • Thomas Wood October 14, 2020 (6:37 am)

    City light needs to fix the problem with the line coming up from Alki! I’m on the west side of 44 th .We lose power all the time while just across the street they get there power off California ave.The power stays on,very frustrating !

  • Al King October 14, 2020 (6:38 am)

    Power never went off on East side of street-West side was out. 61st between Stevens and Alki. Did lose cable and wi-fi at 6:10pm. Wasn’t on when i went to bed at 10 but working now.

  • Just wondering October 14, 2020 (2:19 pm)

    Just a reminder that not only wind storms cause power outages, a big earthquake will too.  And it will take a lot longer to restore power.  Have flashlights, water, extra blankets, sweaters, food that can be eaten cold and some cash in small denominations in your house.  No electricity = no ATMs and no credit/debit card readers or gas station pumps working.

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