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Overnight Storm Batters Western Washington

Seattle Weather Storm 2025

A powerful storm swept through Western Washington overnight, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that toppled trees, downed power lines, and left more than 130,000 customers without electricity as of Tuesday morning.

The storm, which peaked Monday night, unleashed wind gusts of up to 70 mph in some areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The highest recorded gust was in Hoquiam, reaching 70 mph, while Boeing Field saw gusts of 60 mph. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport recorded a 52 mph gust—just shy of the February record of 53 mph set in 2008.

Widespread Power Outages

Utility companies across the region reported significant outages, leaving tens of thousands of homes and businesses in the dark. Puget Sound Energy had the highest number of reported outages, with more than 112,000 customers affected. Seattle City Light reported over 18,000 outages, and Peninsula Light Company said more than 8,000 customers in Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula were without power.

A breakdown of outages as of 9:45 a.m. Tuesday included:

  • Seattle City Light: 18,332 customers
  • Puget Sound Energy: 112,062 customers
  • Snohomish PUD: 6,756 customers
  • Tacoma Public Utilities: 1,199 customers
  • Peninsula Light Company: 8,100 customers

Officials warned that restoration efforts could take time as crews work to clear debris and repair damaged power lines.

Downed Trees and Road Closures

Numerous reports of fallen trees and power lines disrupted travel across Western Washington. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) issued a traffic alert, listing several locations blocked by downed trees, including:

  • NW 84th St & 1st Ave NW
  • SW Orchard St & Dumar Way SW
  • 47th Ave SW between SW Alaska St & SW Oregon St
  • 2nd Ave W between W McGraw St & W Boston St
  • 31st Ave SW & SW Myrtle St

In Seattle, a tree fell onto a vehicle near Aurora Avenue North and Whitman Place North, trapping three people inside. Seattle Fire Department crews responded quickly, using chainsaws to remove the tree and free the occupants. All three individuals were in stable condition, officials said.

School Delays and Closures

The storm’s impact extended to schools, with several districts delaying the start of classes due to power outages and hazardous conditions.

  • Highline and Northshore school districts: Two-hour delay
  • Vashon Island School District: 1.5-hour delay
  • McAuliffe and Smith elementaries (Lake Washington School District): Two-hour delay
  • Edmonds College: Closed due to power outages

Strongest Winds Expected to Subside

The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning through 10 a.m. Tuesday for Aberdeen, La Push, Queets, Bremerton, Seattle, and Tacoma. Winds are expected to gradually decrease throughout the day, though additional power outages and falling trees remain a concern.

Peak wind gusts recorded overnight included:

  • Aberdeen: 70 mph
  • Astoria: 68 mph
  • Destruction Island: 67 mph
  • Seattle and Olympia: 52 mph

Residents are urged to stay cautious of fallen power lines and debris, avoid unnecessary travel, and check with local utilities for outage updates.

This storm is a stark reminder of the Pacific Northwest’s winter weather volatility. Crews continue working to restore power and clear roadways as communities recover from the storm’s impact.

Stay safe, Seattle!

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Sue Bird Announces Her Retirement from the WNBA in Her Farewell Game

Seattle Storm Basketball

After 21 years in the WNBA, Sue Bird has finally retired. The Seattle Storm’s season came to an end Tuesday when they lost 97–92 to the Las Vegas Aces in the Western Conference Finals. In her farewell game, Sue Bird told the Seattle crowd, “I hope I did everybody proud.”

With her retirement, she leaves the WNBA with the record for most assists in a single postseason. She contributed 46 assists and committed only six turnovers in six postseason games in 2022. In her last game on Tuesday, she scored eight points and sent out eight assists. On-court recognition for the 41-year-old guard was given by the Storm and the Aces, with cheers from the crowd.

Speaking to a reporter after the game, Bird said, “Obviously, I am quite grateful for my twenty years at this institution. That place holds so many wonderful memories for me, and I’m going to miss it terribly when I go. I’m not leaving, but I’m going to miss it. It’s been a privilege to suit up for this team and represent these supporters.”

Bird spent her entire professional basketball career with the Seattle club, where she helped lead the Storm to four WNBA championships. After the final game in 2021, the same supporters who chanted “One more year!” now greeted her with “Thank you, Sue!”

When questioned about what she would like to leave behind, Bird stated she wants the Storm to keep winning and playing at the high level they set during her tenure. She hoped the incoming point guard could continue the team’s winning ways and sustain its championship status for the sake of the fans.

At first, Bird followed her colleagues off the court, but then she changed her mind. After the game, she stayed on the floor to be embraced by the Aces’ entire squad and coaching staff. As Bird greeted the fans and made her way to the locker room, the spectators stayed on their feet.

“I genuinely did not wish to leave the court,” Bird said. “At first, I just followed since it seemed that was the direction everyone was heading. Still, I wanted to take a minute before leaving to express my gratitude and take it all in, as this is, after all, a positive development. When I think of what we’ve done, I feel a sense of pride. Yes, I’m disappointed, but I’m also glad that I got to share that moment with the fans and hear them chant in such an enthusiastic way. Even if it may not seem like it from the outside, there is a great deal of joy.”

Bird said it seemed “sort of surreal” to have played her last game in the WNBA. Her teammates, notably Breanna Stewart, still are getting used to the thought of life without Bird on the court. Stewart remarked, “As disappointing as it is that we won’t be able to compete for a title this year, I believe what’s more painful is that we won’t be sharing the court with Sue anymore.

We won’t be able to interact with her in any way before or during games, so she won’t even be present during practices. To have it become a reality so suddenly is really painful.” The entire team, however, wished the legendary Sue Bird all the best in her retirement.

Photo: “Seattle Storm victory rally, Westlake Plaza, Seattle, WA” by djwudi

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