Power Outage Overview
The storm that swept through Washington on March 12, 2026, has left tens of thousands of customers without power. The severe weather brought heavy rain and wind gusts strong enough to bring down tree limbs and power lines in various areas.
Impact of the Storm
As of late Wednesday, Puget Sound Energy reported 53,044 customers without power, while Seattle City Light and Snohomish County PUD reported 5,861 and 12,745 customers affected, respectively. The total number of customers without power reached approximately 95,000 by 11 p.m.
In King County alone, 31,039 customers are without electricity, with Kitsap County and Pierce County reporting 16,335 and 16,634 outages, respectively. Snohomish County also faced significant disruptions with 11,666 customers impacted.
Casualties and Damage
The storm’s ferocity was underscored by a tragic incident in Monroe, where one person was killed when a tree fell on their car. Wind gusts reached an astonishing 134 mph at the summit at Alpental, contributing to the widespread damage.
Utility Response
Utility crews across the region are actively working to restore power to affected customers as soon as possible. They are facing challenging conditions, as winds are expected to peak between 40-55 mph along the coast and North Sound, and between 35-50 mph in the interior.
Looking Ahead
Officials have stated that restoration efforts will continue as long as conditions allow. However, the ongoing high winds may complicate these efforts, and residents are advised to stay updated on the situation.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the timeline for power restoration. As the situation develops, local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and stay indoors if possible.
