Winter storm causes power outages in Seattle, western WA
SEATTLE - Tens of thousands of people across western Washington experienced power outages as a winter storm swept through the region, utility companies reported on Thursday.
By the numbers:
As of 4 p.m. Thursday: Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is reporting the largest number of outages, with 2,283 customers affected.
Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) has 65 customers without power, while Seattle City Light reports 122 outages.
Tracking Thursday snow in western WA
Snow continues to fall in western Washington and FOX 13 Seattle has team coverage throughout the region.
Utility crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.
What's next:
According to the FOX 13 Seattle Weather team, the area should dry out by the second half of the morning commute, with sunshine on tap for the second half of the day.
Temperatures will warm again to the mid 30s, which should help melt any snow or ice on the main roads by midday.
What you can do:
Keep reading for tips on dealing with power outages in the winter.
Stay Informed: Keep a battery-powered radio or use your smartphone to stay updated on weather conditions and power restoration efforts.
Conserve Heat: Close off unused rooms to retain heat and use blankets and warm clothing to stay warm. Avoid using gas stoves or ovens for heating.
Use Generators Safely: If using a generator, ensure it is placed outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Preserve Food: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures. A full freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours.
Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit.
Check on Neighbors: Look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need assistance during the outage.
Residents are encouraged to report outages to their respective utility providers and to follow safety guidelines to ensure their well-being during the storm.
The Source: Information in this article comes from various utility providers in western Washington.
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