UPDATE: Power outage in West Seattle – almost 10,000 customers out initially

5:50 PM: Seaview and Morgan Junction are reporting power’s out – and there was a much-more-widespread flicker, too – hit us in Upper Fauntleroy. Stand by for more. And sorry if you’re having trouble with our site, everybody subsequently hit us at once…

5:55 PM: Seattle City Light map hasn’t updated yet. But this appears to be widespread – we’ve heard from folks all the way up to Alki, too. There’s a wires-down call in the 5400 block of 37th SW, so that might be related.

6:02 PM: City Light map hasn’t updated yet but a reader says the phone recording cites 4,300 customers out.

6:08 PM: City Light has finally tweeted – almost 10,000 customers (homes/businesses).

6:13 PM: The map’s finally updated too – mostly western West Seattle. No word yet on the cause – we’ll go have a look at the 37th SW scene soon as we can.

6:37 PM: We’re en route, but in the meantime, nearby resident @kevinfreitas tweeted this photo:

Kevin says firefighters at the scene told him “they don’t know why but high-voltage line snapped (that wire dangling there at corner of 36th/Findlay). No vehicle accident or anything.”

6:43 PM: SFD is gone now but SCL crews are at work.

6:52 PM: SCL’s official explanation via Twitter: “The outage was caused by equipment failure on a utility pole that caused a high voltage wire to break. Crews are on-site assessing the situation, with more on the way to make repairs.” (We of course will be following up for further details tomorrow, but for now that’s the topline.)

6:59 PM: We’re getting word that some power has been restored. You? (Update) Looks like about half the outage has been resolved – just under 5,000 homes/businesses still out. Here’s the current map of who’s still out:

7:08 PM: We’ve confirmed that the Morgan Junction business district is one of the areas where power is back on.

7:25 PM: Our photographer was in the Alki area when lights started coming back on, so looks like more restoration. (Update) Down to 476 out, per SCL map. Here’s who’s still out:

8:55 PM: No restoration for that last group yet, but SCL is working on it.

12:47 AM: The last of the outage is off the map, after seven hours.

149 Replies to "UPDATE: Power outage in West Seattle - almost 10,000 customers out initially"

  • Bill December 2, 2021 (5:52 pm)

    Ferry terminal area too

  • Betsy December 2, 2021 (5:54 pm)

    Power out at West Beach/Brace pointlots of significant ona and offs before it just fully went out2nd time this week!

  • Paul December 2, 2021 (5:55 pm)

    Power out on genesse hill

  • Jeff December 2, 2021 (5:56 pm)

    We’re in the dark, near Eddy and 48th. Heard sirens nearby a moment ago, I’m hoping it isn’t related. 

  • TJ December 2, 2021 (5:56 pm)

    My lights flickered about 5 times in High Point and I heard a loud boom. Wasn’t sure if a transformer blew somewhere. 

  • BB December 2, 2021 (5:57 pm)

    We had no flicker, just sudden outage down on Fauntleroy Way at Lincoln Park.

  • Susan Robinson December 2, 2021 (5:57 pm)

    Power out 5400 block of 34th. 

  • DDT December 2, 2021 (5:58 pm)

    dark on genesee hill, as well

  • WSDEK December 2, 2021 (5:58 pm)

    Out on Genesee hill.

  • ARB December 2, 2021 (5:58 pm)

    From Gatewood Hill partway up Frontenac I saw 4 bright flashes and some booms coming the NE.  Figure it was a blown something or other.  Hopefully not involving wildlife this time.

    • 1994 December 2, 2021 (10:30 pm)

      We saw 2 tremendously bright flashes from Arbor Heights just before 6 PM. As we drove west on SW 100th the power was out until 39th Ave SW. West of 39th Ave SW a small pocket in AH remained with power. Sure was strange driving from the area with no power in the dark to the lighted area. Sigh, another equipment failure causing loss of electricity. Seems to be happening more frequently?

  • JayDee December 2, 2021 (5:59 pm)

    SCL’s website is behind the times. Out in Upper and lower Alki from what I can see. 

  • Gina Coats December 2, 2021 (5:59 pm)

    Schmitz park down

  • Sarah December 2, 2021 (5:59 pm)

    North Arbor Heights neighborhood without power as well.

  • Chris December 2, 2021 (6:01 pm)

    Thanks so once again for the speedy reporting!!!!!!!

  • Marissa December 2, 2021 (6:01 pm)

    My sister lives in Alki and has has no power for 20 minutes. Cell service was down too.

  • Tim December 2, 2021 (6:02 pm)

    Power is in all of lower alki, I’m at 60th and admiral and it’s dark in all directions 

  • Kris December 2, 2021 (6:02 pm)

    our block in Arbor heights, West of California and SW 98th intersection is without power.

  • Wendy December 2, 2021 (6:05 pm)

    Lost internet in Admiral around the same time. 

    • ~Hockeywitch~ December 2, 2021 (7:20 pm)

      same thing happened to me Wendy… it finally came back on at 7pm…

  • Kerrie Schurr December 2, 2021 (6:05 pm)

    My husband got thru to City Light and they’re saying almost 5000 customers without power. Estimated restoration time (subject to change) was stated as 12 pm on December 3. 

    • WSB December 2, 2021 (6:11 pm)

      Sorry our site’s buckled under the load – 10,000 customers out.

      • Tar N Feather December 2, 2021 (6:26 pm)

        Lots of love still for being on top of things and reporting back to the community.

      • Shawne December 2, 2021 (7:11 pm)

        We really appreciate the blog always being on top of things in west Seattle. The blog is the first place we check.  Thank you so much!  

      • ~Hockeywitch~ December 2, 2021 (7:22 pm)

        First thing I did after the booms and the first flicker, was try to go here and got nuthing…You know it’s not good when even The West Seattle Blog is down… Glad you’re back on line.

    • rme December 2, 2021 (6:38 pm)

      The SCL website says 12am on Dec 3rd, which would be midnight tonight. Not 12pm…

      • WSB December 2, 2021 (6:45 pm)

        PLEASE remember the restoration estimates are absolutely useless and based on nothing. This we learned from SCL years ago. Could take 1 hour or 10. Just don’t open your fridge.

  • Skye December 2, 2021 (6:05 pm)

    Flickered 3x at Erskine & 48th. Our entire neighborhood is dark. 

  • Skye December 2, 2021 (6:07 pm)

    Erskine & 48th REPORT- Seaview Neighborhood is ALL dark. 

  • WS_Native December 2, 2021 (6:09 pm)

    Out in parts of Arbor Heights as well. North but not South of 108th.

  • Bill December 2, 2021 (6:10 pm)

    SCL website just uploaded map. Outage appears reasonably extensive along the western exposure, west of California, from admiral to 106th SW. 

  • DML December 2, 2021 (6:11 pm)

    51st and Edmunds.  Power off, then one short return then dark.  Trying to finish the lasagne on the gas stove top!

  • G December 2, 2021 (6:11 pm)

    Looks like the WSB is going offline for a few seconds at a time… I’m guessing 4,300 (and counting) SPU customers are simultaneously checking for updates in the dark.

    • WSB December 2, 2021 (6:16 pm)

      10,000. We should be able to handle it, though, since upgrades over the years, so my apologies.

      • G December 2, 2021 (6:23 pm)

        No need to apologize — it’s tough to plan for surge traffic like this with 10000+ users constantly hitting their refresh buttons for updates. Good luck and thanks for keeping us updated!

  • Jason December 2, 2021 (6:12 pm)

    Was sitting ar C&P when we heard a couple of explosions and saw flashes to the east (towards Fauntleroy) just as the power went out.  In Seaview,  power appears to be out south of Hudson street. 

    • Leah December 2, 2021 (6:30 pm)

      I heard that too. I’m on Fauntleroy near Fairmont Park. I was inside, so wasn’t sure which direction it came from. 

  • Your Friend December 2, 2021 (6:13 pm)

    Flickered 3x at Alaska and 48th, but still have power.

  • Lori December 2, 2021 (6:19 pm)

    Out by new luck toy  

  • Stefan Rau December 2, 2021 (6:19 pm)

    Noo i wanted to watch the BTS concert at 7:30

    • Jinswife December 2, 2021 (6:26 pm)

      IKRR omg i lov bts so much

  • Andrew December 2, 2021 (6:20 pm)

    had one flicker in north delridge and heard a loud but distant boom immediately afterward.  two subsequent flickers but power remained on.

  • Chris December 2, 2021 (6:21 pm)

    We heard a big boom and then saw a few flickers here in highpoint, but never lost power

  • Gatewood December 2, 2021 (6:22 pm)

    Gatewood looks like it’s partially dark. Our neighbors to the south appear to have power but everything to the north and west is dark. We are two blocks south of Thriftway. 

  • trickycoolj December 2, 2021 (6:26 pm)

    Blinked hard on the cemetery side of High Point and for once this year we stayed on. Sorry neighbors. 

  • Mike December 2, 2021 (6:26 pm)

    It’s really sporadic. Some of Alki is out. I believe all of Beach Dr to Lincoln Park. Parts of Delridge. Super weird. 

  • NWSparty December 2, 2021 (6:33 pm)

    Maybe the Menashe’s plugged their lights in tonight. Brought down the whole grid?

    • WSB December 2, 2021 (8:57 pm)

      That wasn’t the cause but tonight actually was their first official night with everything on. (They’ve had most of the lights on for a week or so while continuing to finish the display.)

  • Clark Griswold December 2, 2021 (6:33 pm)

    Sorry (not sorry) everyone.

    • OneTimeCharley December 3, 2021 (9:35 am)

      Call Cousin Eddie. He knows a guy.

  • Morgan December 2, 2021 (6:33 pm)

    Arbor heights does have power

  • Beanie December 2, 2021 (6:35 pm)

    Definitely a couple of big booms! I guess a lot of things could cause it but was surprised how loud it was!

  • ShaftC December 2, 2021 (6:35 pm)

    Line went down right next to us.  SCL is here.

  • joe December 2, 2021 (6:36 pm)

    Arbor Heights has power

  • Midi December 2, 2021 (6:36 pm)

    Lights flickered about 5 times in High Point near the duck pond, but I didn’t realize there were power outages until I tried to go to WS Nursery to buy a Christmas tree. Tip for those out there walking – please wear bright clothing, the range of headlights is pretty small in an outage and it’s really really hard to see you.Drivers – go slow, and bless you to the person who stopped to let me turn or I may still be sitting there waiting 

  • Ray December 2, 2021 (6:37 pm)

    Darn,  they’re showing Project Runway tonight. 

  • Melissa December 2, 2021 (6:38 pm)

    Power line down at 36th and Findlay. Power company is on the scene.

  • WestSide December 2, 2021 (6:39 pm)

    I’m going to bed.

    • Cat December 2, 2021 (7:08 pm)

      Power still out at 34th & Brandon/Findlay.

    • Cat December 2, 2021 (7:14 pm)

      😂

  • sherlock December 2, 2021 (6:40 pm)

    No power in west seattle

  • carole December 2, 2021 (6:42 pm)

    Wifi/cable went out for about 5 minutes at California/Charleston but lights didn’t flicker

  • Don Brubeck December 2, 2021 (6:44 pm)

    Menashe lights display goes on, then power goes out all along Beach Drive   ;-D

    • WSB December 2, 2021 (6:46 pm)

      That’s where our photographer was when this happened….

  • ~hockeywitch~ December 2, 2021 (6:44 pm)

    My power only flickered at 35th and Morgan. But internet went out

  • west seattle resident December 2, 2021 (6:45 pm)

    It’s those darn Menashe Christmas lights! Causing the city’s power to go out like Clark Griswolds lights!

  • WSDad December 2, 2021 (6:46 pm)

    It’s funny how that one little pole shutdown half of West Seattle. 

    • Jenben December 2, 2021 (6:56 pm)

      Right? We are pretty fragile 

    • ~Hockeywitch~ December 2, 2021 (7:24 pm)

      seriously!!!  Oh man…Be safe with candles everyone still waiting for power to be restored..

  • Julie in Gatewood December 2, 2021 (6:46 pm)

    Is the ETA really 12pm…??  Tomorrow at noon? Or maybe midnight?Thanks WSB for keeping us updated.

    • WSB December 2, 2021 (6:53 pm)

      I’ll say it again, PLEASE just ignore the restoration estimates, as they are based on nothing. The good news is that crews are working on it.

  • Pete December 2, 2021 (6:47 pm)

    Some real third world vibes. I’ve never lived or visited anywhere with so many power outages. Has this been a particularly bad 15 months? It’s too irritating to laugh, but I’m getting close to that stage.

    • Lucy December 2, 2021 (6:55 pm)

      Power goes out several times a year in this area.  Usually storm related. No big deal.  It comes back on, eventually. Those guys working the lines are awesome.  Thank you!

    • bill December 2, 2021 (7:16 pm)

      So, Pete, you’ve never actually been out of the US?

      • Peter December 2, 2021 (8:27 pm)

         I moved here 15 months ago, I’m not American. I think I have experienced more power cuts since moving here than the entirety of my life. And yes I like living here I just think the infrastructure is poor. So please don’t ask me to go home  :)also, good job to the people working hard to restore power

        • bill December 2, 2021 (9:48 pm)

          Peter — apologies. Americans can be so whiney and clueless about life’s luxuries here. And shortsightedly miserly about maintaining public services. Good for you for moving here! It takes boldness to settle in a new country and culture. I admire you for doing so and I hope you continue enjoying life here.

  • Steven December 2, 2021 (6:49 pm)

    We’re just NE of Arbor Heights Elementary, just off 104th. Looks like we are on the SE corner of the blackout. There were several really strong on/off jolts…I hope our computers are OK!

  • F December 2, 2021 (6:50 pm)

    Dimmed a few times on harbor but still have power

  • Kc December 2, 2021 (6:57 pm)

    For some reason people seem to be driving a lot faster than usual  up and down 48th Ave SW since it has been dark! Slow down!

    • Yeah I get it December 2, 2021 (8:56 pm)

      Lincoln Park Way sounded like a freeway with no noise muffling! Yeah, everyone please SLOW down!

  • Petert December 2, 2021 (6:58 pm)

    Back on at 5900 Beach Drive area. 

  • Betsy December 2, 2021 (6:58 pm)

    Power on West Beach/Brace Point

  • Sarah December 2, 2021 (6:59 pm)

    Arbor Heights area is back on the grid!

  • BB December 2, 2021 (6:59 pm)

    Fauntleroy by ferry dock just got power back!

  • Ray December 2, 2021 (6:59 pm)

    Some lights are turning on on Brandon and 48th

  • Eddie December 2, 2021 (6:59 pm)

    Powers back in fauntlee hills!

  • Brian Dunbar December 2, 2021 (7:00 pm)

    Power on near the Ferry Dock!

  • square eyes December 2, 2021 (7:01 pm)

    Back on at 48th and Findlay!

  • m December 2, 2021 (7:02 pm)

    Power restored here at beach drive 

    • Herongrrrl December 2, 2021 (7:12 pm)

      Not all of Beach Drive is restored yet, still dark near Me Kwa Mooks.

  • Marcy J Grantor December 2, 2021 (7:03 pm)

    We got our power back, after an hour.

  • Erin December 2, 2021 (7:03 pm)

    Back on! 38th and Dawson

  • Harry Turpin December 2, 2021 (7:04 pm)

    Power restored East side of California at Morgan junction.  Waiting for ours!  

  • WS_Native December 2, 2021 (7:05 pm)

    Back on in N. Arbor Heights! 

  • Dona December 2, 2021 (7:07 pm)

    We did not lose power while surrounding neighbors did, 47th & Erskine. Now they’re back on already! 

  • Upper Alki resident December 2, 2021 (7:07 pm)

    I also had a hard power blink in Upper Alki but did not lose power.

  • EJ December 2, 2021 (7:07 pm)

    Just had mine restored in Arbor Heights.

  • Petert December 2, 2021 (7:08 pm)

    Back on @ 5900 Beach Dr area. 

  • Bill December 2, 2021 (7:08 pm)

    Heard from a little bird restoration might be closer to 9:30 pm.  No idea how reliable that info is, hoping it’s decent info. 

  • Laura December 2, 2021 (7:09 pm)

    Still out on Genesee Hill

    • Laura December 2, 2021 (7:36 pm)

      And we’re back on!

  • Lauren December 2, 2021 (7:11 pm)

    Still full black out on Alki. I’m near Stevens and 61st.

    • Lauren December 2, 2021 (7:24 pm)

      Me again, power just came back!

  • Frank J. December 2, 2021 (7:14 pm)

    No power.No bridge.No re-election.#HerboldOut

    • What’snext December 2, 2021 (8:36 pm)

      I second that!

    • Felix Grounds December 2, 2021 (9:38 pm)

      I heard on Newsmax that she was DIRECTLY responsible for both!!

  • In the dark December 2, 2021 (7:15 pm)

    Still out on 49th and Brandon

  • Cat December 2, 2021 (7:15 pm)

    Power still out around 34th & Findlay/Brandon. 

  • Michael December 2, 2021 (7:19 pm)

    Power is back, Seaview, 48th and Juneau. 

  • sally December 2, 2021 (7:22 pm)

    Man, feeling thankful for good luck. It went out a few times as I left my office.  Lucky me, it stayed on when I was in the elevator, lol ! Power was still out at Delridge CC field,

    • sally December 2, 2021 (8:01 pm)

      (that was between 5:45-6)

  • La December 2, 2021 (7:22 pm)

    Back on in Seaview! Thank you as always, WS Blog, for your excellent reporting 

  • Eric L December 2, 2021 (7:23 pm)

    Just got power back on alki.

  • Jeff December 2, 2021 (7:24 pm)

    Back on at 48th and Eddy

  • Deb December 2, 2021 (7:24 pm)

    Power came back on 7:22pm at 48th and Graham. 

  • Jason December 2, 2021 (7:24 pm)

    Power back in 5200 block of Beach

  • Cael December 2, 2021 (7:24 pm)

    Woohoo. Back on 48th and juneau!

  • Herongrrrl December 2, 2021 (7:25 pm)

    Back on now at Me Kwa Mooks.

  • Seaview December 2, 2021 (7:25 pm)

    Power restored in Seaview off Juneau St as of 7:22

  • Mike Flynn December 2, 2021 (7:35 pm)

    As these things go, not too irritating (though I feel sorry for anyone who was cooking with electricity, since the power went just about dinner time). Here at Arbor Heights/Westwood/Fauntleroy, power was out only an hour, so kudos to Seattle City Light. Now to do something about the infrastructure. Seattle does lose power way too often and easily if it thinks it’s a major city.

    • N December 2, 2021 (9:37 pm)

      So true.  It’s a major storm or disaster with many choke points that throws out power for weeks that would be concerning. But the cost of burying lines is enormous, more likely achieved by individual houses getting solar or ppl using their future electric vehicles as generators to power their house during a power outage since many models coming out promise this capability.  

  • Sarah December 2, 2021 (7:39 pm)

    Still out at 36th and Raymond:(

  • HD December 2, 2021 (7:41 pm)

    Thank you to the linemen and linewomen!  

  • Lucy December 2, 2021 (7:45 pm)

    There some serious street racing going on beach drive.  

  • DML December 2, 2021 (7:56 pm)

    As always, thank you WSB and also the skillful City Light repair sleuths. That was fast.  Am reminded of the several day outage years back in sub freezing weather.  Indoor camping.

  • Arbor Hts neighbor December 2, 2021 (7:57 pm)

    Strangest power outage, our power went out up the hill from the ferry but a few neighbors very close to us – along with a street light or two on California – kept their power the whole time, so it wasn’t an issue of anyone using a generator for power

  • ghs December 2, 2021 (7:58 pm)

    this outage  was weird. lights didn’t flicker at all like with a storm..  just went off and on a few times, then bam  off.  back on now on beach drive :)

  • Ilana December 2, 2021 (8:04 pm)

    I love that so many people immediately tried to go on the WS Blog to see what was happening that the site buckled under the pressure! A true testament to the great work you all do and how much this community counts on you! Thank you for always being so on top of it! One of the best parts of West Seattle is this amazing resource. 

    • Elton December 3, 2021 (12:04 am)

      I was thinking the same thing! Shows how much better WSB is as staying on top of local issues versus our traditional media outlets.

  • Jen December 2, 2021 (8:22 pm)

    Still out on 36th and Juneau.  Estimated restoration time per Seattle city lights is 1am.  🤞🤞

  • MGL December 2, 2021 (8:26 pm)

    Still dark at our place, eating takeout by lovely candlelight… near the epicenter at 37th & Findley.

  • CC December 2, 2021 (9:12 pm)

    38th Raymond. Dark.  Showing the kids how popcorn was made before microwave ovens.   

  • Bill December 2, 2021 (9:36 pm)

    I guess the little bird was just about right about power restoration at about 9:30 pm, although there still looks to be about 12 blocks or so around line interruption that are still in the dark. 

  • Findlay December 2, 2021 (10:32 pm)

    Still in the dark while just across the street my my neighbors have power. Updates from SCL have dribbled to 0. Outage map is saying 1 am now…

    • Brian December 2, 2021 (10:51 pm)

      I feel your pain

  • Brian December 2, 2021 (10:40 pm)

    Still no power at 29th and Findlay

  • Again? December 2, 2021 (10:45 pm)

    Still without power here in fairmont. Getting really tired of this.  It happens all the time in ws. 

  • LP Seattle December 3, 2021 (12:29 am)

    I live close to 37th & Findlay and the crews have been here since 10pm working on it. They just left but we still have no power. ***deep breath***

  • Ian December 3, 2021 (12:48 am)

    Power is BACK at least in my part of the last little group, as of 12:43 AM. Thank you SCL and WSB. 

    • WSB December 3, 2021 (12:50 am)

      Thank you for the update! The outage is now entirely off the map.

  • Mike December 3, 2021 (12:55 am)

    Power back on at 12:50am.38th / Raymond.

  • Lucia Robinson December 3, 2021 (4:03 am)

    The power is still out along 35thSW and 36thSW south of Findlay, just this block it seems. 

  • MarkS December 3, 2021 (5:32 am)

    Power back on at 36th and Findlay at around 5 am. I think that’s the last of us! Thanks for the great coverage. 

  • anonyme December 3, 2021 (6:36 am)

     It’s not that losing power for one hour is such a big deal, but I don’t understand how a single wire down could knock out electricity for 10,000 customers.  I also agree that this happens way too often.  I’ve lived in other parts of Seattle (as well as other states and countries) and never experienced a power outage anywhere else.

  • Maria December 3, 2021 (7:28 am)

    Based on the power line photo above, you can see the two intact wires have those bulbous in-line connections to the left of the pole – and the dangling wire has the bulbous connection right at the end at the same distance.  Those are splices likely from a previous repair.  Looks to me like the wire pulled out of the closest splice.  These splices are called “sleeves”, and they can fail (as this one appears to have).  When the longer end of that wire (unseen to the left) contacted the ground it would have short circuited and sparked.  A protective device somewhere along that circuit would have activated and likely have given up its life.  So the repair  crews at the least had to switch neighborhoods to be fed from different directions (which is why people were restored at different times), repair the wire, and replace the protective devices.  They may have identified more damage.   These steps take time and the crews must work safely.

    • brandon December 3, 2021 (1:53 pm)

      About 10 years ago, just to the right of that power pole is a stairwell that leads to Fairmount Park where a copper theft ring cut the power lines.  Left 37th without power for a week as they had to reconnect all the fiber.  

  • Carol December 3, 2021 (9:01 am)

    Three cheers for Wiseman’s Appliances. Our over-stove microwave blew out last night and Wiseman’s already has us included on their stops for today! (We’ve had two great experiences with them in the last week. They are totally On The Job.)

  • Lola December 3, 2021 (9:01 am)

    Thank you WSB and everybody else that I may have chatted with on FB to get information.  We were only out for about 2 hrs. over on 50th & Alaska.  Had just eaten dinner and the house was warm.  It was a nice 2 hr reprieve from the TV.  WSB was hard to get onto from my phone but I think as stated from above everybody cks there first.  Got lots of good info from FB and where other people were.  Those who still had power were giving updates from the News Stations.  Then a few pictures from people who were close to where the wire blew.  It was an adventure. 

Sorry, comment time is over.