Thousands Lose Power in Spring Pacific Northwest Wind Storm

SEATTLE (AP) — Nearly 30,000 customers lost power during a storm bringing high winds and rain including some thunderstorms to areas of the Pacific Northwest Monday.

Puget Sound Energy reported more than 260 outages Monday affecting over 21,000 customers in western Washington. Seattle City Light reported more than 7,200 customers without power as of about 5 p.m. Monday.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said more than 18,500 customers had lost power in southwest Washington, in Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas.

In eastern Washington and northern Idaho, Avista reported more than 5,000 customers were without power Monday afternoon.

A winter storm warning was in effect until 8 a.m. Tuesday for areas of the Washington Cascade Mountains above 2,500 feet, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy snow is expected with additional accumulations of up to 2 feet (61 centimeters) possible and gusty winds.

The winter storm warning includes Stevens and Snoqualmie passes. Travel over the passes could be difficult and was discouraged, especially later in the day.

A winter storm warning was also in effect for the Olympic mountains with up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of additional snow accumulation.

The heaviest snow is expected Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, according to KING 5 Meteorologist Adam Claibon.

The weather systems could bring up to an inch of rain to some areas of the Puget Sound region by Tuesday.