Thousands In Puget Sound Without Power As Storm Roars

SHORELINE, WA - Downed trees, power outages, 30 foot waves, and 50 MPH wind gusts were all seen in Washington today as a powerful storm moved across the state. As of 2 p.m., about 15,000 people were without power between Lacey and Arlington - but that number is expected to rise tonight.

Local governments are warning drivers to be prepared during the Monday commute, which is when some of the fiercest winds will roll through the area. Downed tree limbs are a big concern, both for power lines and people.

A downed tree fell across northbound I-5 Northeast 175th Street in Shoreline. That tree was cleared in about 30 minutes, according WSDOT.

Just after 2 p.m., a 52 MPH gust was measured at Fort Lewis. In Forks, a 70 MPH gust was measured.

Near 9 a.m., the NWS issued a high wind warning for the I-5 corridor from Snohomish County to Lewis county. The warning says to expect gusts up to 65 MPH with sustained winds between 20 and 40 MPH. The warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Monday.

Weather models predict that Monday's strongest winds will begin around 1 p.m. with gusts around 57 MPH, according to University of Washington meteorologist Cliff Mass. The storm will also bring rain, adding to the 1/2 inch that fell overnight.

Image via Elaine Thompson/Associated Press