Crime & Safety
Officials Urge Caution As Wind Knocks Trees Into Roads, Wires
First responders are reminding everyone to be careful on the roads during the gusty weather, as it has already caused some accidents.
GIG HARBOR, WA — The windy weather is proving to be a little dangerous for parts of Pierce County, and officials are asking everyone to take it nice and slow on the roads as a result.
Early Tuesday afternoon, Gig Harbor Fire confirmed that their crews had been called to a tree entangled in the power lines near 62nd and Wollochet.
Tree across wires at 62nd and Wollochet. Road closed. Extreme caution for high winds. pic.twitter.com/YEdHsZzDh4
— GigHarborFire (@GigHarborFire) October 13, 2020
WSDOT officials are warning of severe side winds on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Find out what's happening in Gig Harborfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Updated: Severe side winds on SR 16, in both directions, at milepost 8.0 on the Tacoma Narrows Bridges. Beginning at 1:42 pm on October 13, 2020 until further notice.
— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) October 13, 2020
And earlier in the day, WSDOT crews had to pull a tree from SR 520 eastbound.
This is a tree down across all lanes but the far left. We are in the process of cleaning up but plan for delays. pic.twitter.com/C2yRYdxu6h
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) October 13, 2020
Incidents like these have officials warning everyone: please take it slow and use extra caution when the weather gets windy.
Find out what's happening in Gig Harborfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Lots of wind and debris blowing across the region this afternoon following thunder from earlier this morning. Remember, if you come across a dark intersection (without power), treat it as an all-way stop. Real time incidents are posted on our app: https://t.co/mRGrYK3BEw pic.twitter.com/je1vbWAaAY
— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) October 13, 2020
Keep those hands firmly on the wheel. SR-520 bridge just had a 50 mph gust. #wawx
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) October 13, 2020
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory warning, which is set to expire at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening. Until then, winds are expecting to blow from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50. Drivers are advised to beware that trees can be blown down, tree limbs may hit roads and unsecured objects may be pushed around as well, so use extra caution, especially if you're driving a high profile vehicle.
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