The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories for western Oregon and Washington for Christmas Eve, with a 20% chance of gusts reaching 70 mph due to a storm coming from California. Most likely, the storm will hit the Cascade Mountains with gusts of 35-50 mph, potentially causing power outages and travel issues, but less severe than the historic 1962 Columbus Day storm. Preparations are underway, and safety advice is emphasized for travelers and residents.
A potential windstorm with gusts up to 70 mph is forecasted to hit western Oregon and Southwest Washington on Christmas Eve, prompting warnings for power outages and fallen trees, while residents are advised to prepare and secure outdoor items. Additionally, winter storms are expected to bring snow and rain to Southern Oregon and Northern California, affecting holiday travel. Although the storm's severity is uncertain, precautions are recommended due to saturated soils and recent heavy rains.
A brief and potentially strong windstorm in the I-5 corridor on Christmas Eve is possible due to specific low pressure conditions, but forecasts are uncertain and it may be canceled within 24 hours, so residents should stay alert.
A violent windstorm with gusts up to 70 mph swept through northwest Montana, causing widespread power outages affecting over 31,000 residents, uprooting trees, damaging infrastructure, and prompting emergency travel warnings. The storm also brought snow and cold temperatures, with authorities urging caution and safety measures amid ongoing recovery efforts.
A severe windstorm swept through the Spokane region, causing nearly 100,000 power outages, record gusts at Spokane International Airport, and damage including downed trees and power lines. Utility crews are assessing damage and working to restore power, while residents are advised to report hazards cautiously. The storm is moving into western Montana, with wind gusts reaching up to 75 mph.
Sudden Valley, near Bellingham, Washington, was severely impacted by a bomb cyclone, experiencing significant power outages and damage from fallen trees. The unusual easterly winds, intensified by the Cascade mountains, hit Sudden Valley harder due to its dense tree population and exposure to winds from this direction, which are rare. In contrast, Bellingham was largely spared, as typical wind patterns from the west would have affected it more.
Washington state has not sent additional resources to areas affected by recent windstorms because no local jurisdictions have requested state assistance. Governor Jay Inslee's office stated that state agencies are monitoring the situation and are ready to help if needed. In Washington, disaster response starts at the local level, and the state only intervenes when local resources are exhausted. The financial impact of the storm is still being assessed, and federal assistance may be sought if necessary.
Puget Sound Energy is working to restore power to over 270,000 customers in Western Washington after a severe windstorm. King County, the hardest-hit area, may see power restored by noon Saturday, while other counties have varying restoration timelines. Crews are using helicopters to assess damage and have already restored power to 57 schools. Another windstorm is expected Friday, and PSE is prepared to respond to any additional damage.
Western Washington is recovering from a severe windstorm that caused widespread damage, including downed trees and power lines, leaving over 325,000 customers without power. The storm, described as a bomb cyclone, resulted in school closures and road blockages. A second storm is expected to follow, potentially causing further disruptions. Authorities are working to restore power and clear roads, while warning residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning during power outages.
Washington state is bracing for a historic windstorm, described as an "atmospheric bomb," with hurricane-like conditions expected to cause widespread power outages. Winds could reach up to 70 mph on the coast and 50 mph inland, affecting areas like Enumclaw and Bellevue. Despite its intensity, the storm is not linked to climate change, according to atmospheric sciences professor Cliff Mass. The storm is expected to subside by Wednesday morning, with minimal rain in the areas experiencing the strongest winds.
A bomb cyclone is expected to hit the Pacific Coast, bringing strong winds and potential flooding to the Puget Sound area, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph offshore and 65 mph inland. Mount Rainier faces a blizzard warning with up to a foot of snow and 60 mph winds. While the system could cause minor to moderate flooding, heavy rains like those in 2022 are not anticipated. The worst winds are expected to impact Vancouver Island, with conditions easing by Wednesday.
The severe weather that hit Chicago on Monday night was classified as a "derecho," a type of storm characterized by a wind damage swath extending over 240 miles with wind gusts of at least 58 mph. Derechos are most common during the warm season from May through August.
A parked American Airlines Boeing 737-800 at Dallas Fort Worth Airport was blown around by strong wind gusts of up to 80 mph, causing it to spin nearly 90 degrees from its original position. The incident, captured on security footage, highlights the importance of proper procedures for securing aircraft during high wind situations. Fortunately, the plane was unoccupied and did not sustain any damage.
Several schools across Colorado are closed on Monday due to power outages caused by dangerously high winds over the weekend, with Xcel Energy preemptively shutting off power to 55,000 customers. While thousands have had their power restored, tens of thousands are still waiting for theirs to be turned back on. The restoration process is impacting schools in districts such as Denver Public Schools, Boulder Valley School District, Jefferson County Public Schools, and Littleton Public Schools, with classes expected to resume on Tuesday. Residents are advised to check their district's website or contact their school for updates on outages and closures.
Xcel Energy announced that power restoration in Colorado's Front Range could extend into Monday following a windstorm that caused deliberate and accidental outages for over 155,000 customers. The company had initiated a Public Safety Power Shutdown affecting 55,000 customers to reduce wildfire risk, with additional outages caused by windstorm damage. Crews were deployed to visually inspect power lines before re-energizing them, with some customers facing a second day without electricity. Other local electric cooperatives were also addressing outages, and a small fire in the foothills prompted the closure of Highway 36, but was contained to two acres.
