UPDATE: Outage cuts power to 4,700+ in West Seattle

7:28 PM: More than 4,700 customers are out. The outage stretches from North Admiral to High Point. Updates to come.

7:40 PM: SCL says officially only that the “cause is under investigation.” We’re checking out a couple possibilities. Meantime, if you hear a lot of sirens, remember that outages tend to trigger smoke and CO alarms and get people stuck in elevators, all of which require SFD responses – several are shown on the real-time 911 log right now. … As a commenter points out, the footprint of this outage is almost identical to the one three weeks ago.

8:08 PM: No word on the cause yet, though multiple readers near Camp Long and points south/east have mentioned “booms” at the time. As for how long it’ll take to fix, our standard reminder, don’t get fixated on the SCL “estimated restoration time,” which is usually just a wild guess – could be much sooner, occasionally later.

8:24 PM: And indeed, some are reporting they’re back on now, after an hour. The map usually lags in updates, so it’ll be at least a few minutes before we know how many are back on.

8:28 PM: 2,645 still out, per map. … Here’s the new City Light map:

9:20 PM: The SCL map now attributes the outage to “equipment failure” (if we aren’t able to get more specifics on that tonight, we will tomorrow).

10:15 PM: And after almost three hours, more just got power back. Looking at the map, it appears this outage is now entirely over. (If you’re still out but not shown on the map, contact SCL at 206-684-3000 to be sure they know.)

99 Replies to "UPDATE: Outage cuts power to 4,700+ in West Seattle"

  • SnakeHill Neighbor July 24, 2023 (7:30 pm)

    We lost power.  Some neighbors saw some “fireworks” on Brandon and 30th, which equates to the second blast (not the first).

    • Steve Holt July 24, 2023 (7:40 pm)

      Ope, yeah, that makes sense. We got a brief flicker after the first boom and it was CLOSE to Brandon and 30th.

  • Admiral resident July 24, 2023 (7:31 pm)

    Lost power in Admiral district. Near Aegis Living.

  • Admiral July 24, 2023 (7:32 pm)

    Guess a stiff rain is all it takes here in Admiral to lose power.maybe time to get solar array and battery and pretend I’m homesteading off the grid….inside a major city.

    • Wsmom July 24, 2023 (7:45 pm)

      Agree. This happens way too often for a big city. Factor is the power lines not buried underground in much of ws. 

      • Admyrl Byrd July 24, 2023 (8:32 pm)

        And you won’t want to see the special assessment on your property taxes for the burial.  Doubt that our infrastructure is much less vulnerable than any old-school city in a coastal wind tunnel.Cheaper alternative is a backup generator.  Put one in because I work from home and my power was back up in 30 seconds.  Of course it’s natural gas so the greenies will be after me at some point as well.

        • Frisky Pete July 25, 2023 (8:04 pm)

          Good point. I’ll keep my fossil fuel truck and natural gas appliances thank you very much.

    • Onion July 24, 2023 (7:56 pm)

      A stiff rain meaning .05 or .10 inches?

      • Admiral July 24, 2023 (8:12 pm)

        You catch the irony

  • ttt July 24, 2023 (7:33 pm)

    it looks like most of the businesses on the east side of California Avenue still have power. West of California Avenue and down the hill from there is out in the Alaska Junction area.

  • JM July 24, 2023 (7:34 pm)

    No power in Alaska Junction. 

  • N7OEP July 24, 2023 (7:34 pm)

    Heard a boom to the west of Delridge and Brandon, lights flickered twice, but stayed on

    • Steve Holt July 24, 2023 (7:38 pm)

      Lucky. We’re just a bit further down Brandon and we always get caught up in these things.

  • CAM July 24, 2023 (7:35 pm)

    That map and number look a lot like the last power outage caused by the accident on admiral. 

    • WSB July 24, 2023 (7:37 pm)

      There’s a crash working on Sylvan and we’re headed over to see if it’s related.

      • WSB July 24, 2023 (7:49 pm)

        And no, that wasn’t it. So now we’re driving around looking. If anyone sees an SCL truck, let us know!

        • Chris July 24, 2023 (8:00 pm)

          Scl truck just drove south down 45th Ave sw toward Hanford 

          • WSB July 24, 2023 (8:06 pm)

            Thanks, we haven’t found anything yet so we’ll look there!

        • Chris July 24, 2023 (8:04 pm)

          Scl truck just drove south on 45th sw toward Hanford 

        • Kristi July 24, 2023 (8:05 pm)

          My brother was playing golf at west seattle and said a transformer near the course blew and power lines were down.  

          • Brian July 24, 2023 (8:19 pm)

            Good intel, Kristi! 😀

        • Donna July 24, 2023 (9:48 pm)

          I can’t figure out how to comment. Only reply. But thank you WSB !!!!

  • Kathy July 24, 2023 (7:36 pm)

    Power out at 42nd and Dawson

  • ScaredOfTheDark July 24, 2023 (7:37 pm)

    Candle lit dinner at Supreme 

    • Admyrl Byrd July 24, 2023 (8:33 pm)

      There are worse things….

  • Brian July 24, 2023 (7:39 pm)

    We’re dark at 52nd SW and Pritchard. Just like the past couple of times. 

  • Danimal July 24, 2023 (7:39 pm)

    Several deep power flickers over a period of 20 seconds after some wind gusts at Fauntleroy just south of Edmunds. Power is still on though.

  • WS Res July 24, 2023 (7:47 pm)

    Out at 40th and Hudson/Dawson. Thanks WSB for being so fast as always! And boy are we glad it isn’t HOT tonight.

  • M July 24, 2023 (7:48 pm)

    Our lights flickered 4 times in Belvedere area.

  • Admiral July 24, 2023 (7:49 pm)

    “Identical” yeah but 10x more annoying. Can we get this fixed promptly please????

    • Brian July 24, 2023 (8:14 pm)

      I’ve lived in North Admiral for 11 years. Recent 2 outages are the only ones I remember during this period. This is not a systematic issue. Patience is a virtue everyone! 

      • Admyrl Byrd July 24, 2023 (8:36 pm)

        I’ve been here about the same amount of time in NA and there’s been at least 3 in the last year, and server others.  There is a bit of randomness as to whether one is affected or not, but anyone that’s moved here from somewhere that had underground utilities need to acclimate. Grew up back east and this is mild because we don’t have ice or snow bringing down trees or wires.  I do question the quality/resilience of the transformers here which do seem to blow frequently.  But that’s just a snap judgement.   

      • Donna July 24, 2023 (9:45 pm)

        Thanks for the reminder Brian. Sure could be worse. Good sleeping weather 

  • Theo July 24, 2023 (7:53 pm)

    Power out on 45th and Hinds and 49th and Lander. Stay safe yall!

  • GHE parent July 24, 2023 (7:54 pm)

    As I was almost hit/in an accident  while driving on Glenn way near Oregon (and then the person stopped while in my lane, meaning technically I almost tboned them because THEY ran the stop sign) I can tell you that people have forgotten entirely how to drive with water, and are so preoccupied with the weather that they can’t drive, apparently. I bet someone ran into a pole

    • Gary July 24, 2023 (8:26 pm)

      Very possible…or perhaps wind took down some poles

  • Kathy July 24, 2023 (8:02 pm)

    I just commented to my spouse that we are so lucky to have a blog so responsive and professional. The map is great for an event that is less than 45 minutes in occurrence. We don’t say thanks enough, but thanks to all on WS blog.😀

    • WSB July 24, 2023 (8:05 pm)

      Thanks for the kind words. I need to add this credit. the map is just a screengrab of City Light’s map. Since their site does not keep records of past outages, we always include a screenshot for the record.

      • Curious George July 25, 2023 (7:42 am)

        Has anyone ever created a “Heat Map” using past outage maps to show how often places on the map lose power? I’ve heard people anecdotally say “I live on (example) St. and we always seem to lose power during storms”, while others in an adjacent neighborhood never do. It would be cool to see that info laid out on a map.I suspect SCL knows this info, even if they haven’t shared it. I can certainly see why they wouldn’t want to publish data showing consistent failures in certain areas. But it is a public utility, and it seems like something the public should know.

  • Alexis July 24, 2023 (8:02 pm)

    No power here on 48th — one side of the street at least

  • SnakeHill Neighbor July 24, 2023 (8:04 pm)

    SCL vehicle (not a big service truck) is on 30th and Brandon.

  • Brooke July 24, 2023 (8:06 pm)

    Genesee Hill neighborhood here. We’d just returned from The Diner and power flickered several times. Hope it turns back on for everyone soon! 

  • Another WS Resident July 24, 2023 (8:08 pm)

    Power out on 4000 block Dakota – Andover 

  • Longfellow July 24, 2023 (8:11 pm)

    A couple blocks from 30th and Brandon heard the books lights flickered I can confirm that this was not fireworks. More likely transformers blowing. Also noting no sign of vehicle vs utility pole. Must be some unexplained surge of power. 

  • Yasmine July 24, 2023 (8:13 pm)

    I am not sure if this is accurate but it will be a long dark night this is from Seattle City light update Events4,701 CustomersSouth SeattleUpdated 37 minutes agoEst. Restoration: Jul 25 at 2:00 AMCause: InvestigatingStart Date: Jul 24 at 7:21 PMEvent ID: 154102

    • WSB July 24, 2023 (8:24 pm)

      As I noted above, the City Light restoration estimates should be ignored – the utility itself has admitted they’re just a guess, could be much sooner (as is happening now), could be much later.

  • Gd July 24, 2023 (8:15 pm)

    No power on west side California Ave and sw Hudson. Thanks WSB

  • 47th Ave July 24, 2023 (8:16 pm)

    SCL truck just went down 47th heading south toward Oregon/Alaska 

    • Al Rouyer July 24, 2023 (8:28 pm)

      When will the power be on in Alaska Junction?

  • Blbl July 24, 2023 (8:22 pm)

    We are back on at Palm & California. 

  • LAdmiral July 24, 2023 (8:22 pm)

    Power back on at 45/Stevens. Was out about an hour.

  • Meagan July 24, 2023 (8:23 pm)

    Power on!! 46th between Massachusetts and holgate 

  • Theo July 24, 2023 (8:23 pm)

    My power JUST came back on 45th and hinds !

  • Rlv July 24, 2023 (8:24 pm)

    Power on at 49th and Waite

  • miws July 24, 2023 (8:25 pm)

    Back on 1700 block California! Great job SCL! —Mike 

  • Nancy July 24, 2023 (8:25 pm)

    Power just came on at 44th and Seattle st

  • ttt July 24, 2023 (8:26 pm)

    Power truck just drove east on alaska street towards ak junction…. and turned around and came back to alaska Street and turned down 47th. Power still out in this area.

  • Gina July 24, 2023 (8:26 pm)

    Power back west of Lafayette/Hiawatha 

  • Admiral resident July 24, 2023 (8:27 pm)

    Power restored at 8:22. Near Aegis Living.

  • Danimal July 24, 2023 (8:32 pm)

    Now a Comcast outage as of 8:24 PM, same area.

  • WB July 24, 2023 (8:43 pm)

    SCL truck with lights flashing just went down 42nd and Brandon, heading north. Power still out here.

  • Betty July 24, 2023 (8:44 pm)

    Power back 45th and Seattle at around 8:20.Thank you WSB for keeping us updated. 

  • Ang July 24, 2023 (8:44 pm)

    No peer still… 46th and Hudson

  • John July 24, 2023 (8:47 pm)

    Scl truck up42nd sw north of Findlay at 835.

  • Cindy July 24, 2023 (8:48 pm)

    No power on 35th Ave SW near Camp Long.

  • Rara July 24, 2023 (8:56 pm)

    We are back on at Ferry Ave by the fire station 29. Crazy. We never lose power. 

  • Jaret July 24, 2023 (8:59 pm)

    Still out at 44th and Oregon

  • Rosemary July 24, 2023 (9:00 pm)

    Do we know yet the cause of the outage?  The power lines and transformers can get covered with dust and dirt when there’s no rain for weeks in the summer.  Has happened in the past that a little rain mixing with the dirt on the lines causes sparks and transformers to blow or shut down. Curious minds.

    • Steve Holt July 24, 2023 (10:18 pm)

      Don’t know the whole cause, but the problem at 30th and Brandon may be due to a new fiberglass pole they put up a while back changing the stress on the lines. There was a piece that’d detached from stress and they had to reattach it. 

  • Mmm July 24, 2023 (9:02 pm)

    Spoke to SCL TRUCK DRIVERS as it went down our alley off of 42nd and Hudson. He says the problem is located at Delridge & they are working as fast as they can to get everyone back online 

  • Yasmine July 24, 2023 (9:03 pm)

    Still No power California and  Hudson

  • Mike July 24, 2023 (9:04 pm)

    Still out on 41 and Dawaon

  • Ashley July 24, 2023 (9:04 pm)

    No power on 42nd and Hudson :(

  • PDiddy July 24, 2023 (9:04 pm)

    Was sitting in Mioposto when it went out. Good thing our first pizza was already served. Across the street still had power felt bad for them because place was packed with a line. Guess it was a sign we didnt really need that second pizza….

  • Meg July 24, 2023 (9:08 pm)

    I lived in the California Bay Area for 20+ years and transformers on power poles would often arc over when it rained after dry spells when dust accumulated.  Not saying that’s the answer but…

    • MB July 24, 2023 (9:46 pm)

      If that were the case, we’d have outages every fall. Cali is different- heck, they don’t even crown their roads and feet flooded every sprinkle that comes through

  • Sarah July 24, 2023 (9:13 pm)

    SCL updated the outage cause. Equipment Failure. 

  • kg July 24, 2023 (9:19 pm)

    Was at Jaks enjoying the Monday Prime Rib special when the power flicker and the emergency lights flashed. Everyone remained calm. Upon our exit we noticed traffic lights were non operational yet pedestrians and drivers still flowed through intersection with nary a Jersey salute. Once home we discovered no power, so we enjoyed friendly conversation with no tv or phones in our faces.Drive safe

  • Kirby July 24, 2023 (9:24 pm)

    SPU site now saying it’s due to equipment failure. 

  • Brian July 24, 2023 (9:24 pm)

    Of all weeks for this to happen. If you have YouTubeTV and a cell connection you can still catch Alien Sharks at 10 tonight. 

  • Evd July 24, 2023 (9:31 pm)

    No power still on 34th and Brandon. 4 explosions total. 3 which coincided with the outage then 1 more 7 minutes later. 5 houses away they have power. Still waiting

  • CR July 24, 2023 (9:34 pm)

    Large service truck reattaching downed lines that blew at 30th Ave SW and Brandon SW. Still no power, but can hear them working on it. 

  • Joan July 24, 2023 (9:35 pm)

    Equipment failure is worrisome. Seems very vague. I wonder if the infrastructure is aging. Kinda like the bridge thing. Is anyone paying attention?

    • WSB July 24, 2023 (9:37 pm)

      They don’t get into specifics on the map mentions, so there are a wide variety of things that could refer to.

  • Dog July 24, 2023 (9:58 pm)

    Still waiting on power near 46th and Anderson. I keep trying to turn on the lights in my house and then remember the outage.

  • Jordan July 24, 2023 (10:00 pm)

    Power still out at Hudson and California. 

  • Steve Holt July 24, 2023 (10:15 pm)

    Power is back on at 30th and Brandon! 

  • Greg July 24, 2023 (10:15 pm)

    Power just back on (10:13pm) on the Charlestown Hill. Now to fix all of the blinking clocks

  • Kadoo July 24, 2023 (10:15 pm)

    Power just came back on at 45th and Alaska. 

  • Diane July 24, 2023 (10:16 pm)

    Power back on 40th sw and Brandon

  • Max July 24, 2023 (10:16 pm)

    Power back on 38th between Hudson and Dawson!

  • Alexis July 24, 2023 (10:17 pm)

    Power’s back here on 48th!

  • Molly July 24, 2023 (10:18 pm)

    Power is back! 49th and Genesee 

  • Greg July 24, 2023 (10:18 pm)

    Power on at 10:13pm on the Charlestown Hill

  • B.A. Jones July 24, 2023 (10:22 pm)

    We’re back! Genesee neighborhood 

  • ACZ July 24, 2023 (11:02 pm)

    Glad to have power back plus our house smells like scented candles :)

  • Lola July 25, 2023 (7:24 am)

    Our power flickered about 7:20 twice and it restarted the TV Cable.  We are 50th & Alaska.  I thought maybe it was a storm coming in with high winds or something.  I can’t believe it was City Light Power Failure…………….


  • Edison July 25, 2023 (8:57 am)

    Just woke.
    Was there a power interruption?

  • Jay July 25, 2023 (12:14 pm)

    So glad not to live in Admiral anymore. The outages at California and College streets were so bad I couldn’t do long jobs on my 3D printer. Multiple times a week. Now I’m in Puget Ridge and there’s only been one outage in 18 months.

Sorry, comment time is over.