Stormy Seattle: Downed Trees, Power Outages Strike the Emerald City

Stormy Seattle: Downed Trees, Power Outages Strike the Emerald CityStormy Seattle: Downed Trees, Power Outages Strike the Emerald City Seattle, Washington, has been battered by a relentless storm system, leaving widespread destruction and thousands without power. Gale-force winds have toppled trees, sending them crashing onto homes, cars, and power lines. The National Weather Service issued a severe wind warning for the Seattle area, where gusts reached speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The heavy rains and winds have caused flash flooding in low-lying areas, further complicating travel and rescue efforts. As of early Monday morning, over 100,000 customers in the Seattle area were without electricity. Seattle City Light crews are working tirelessly to restore power, but the extent of the damage may delay repairs for some. The storm has also taken a toll on vegetation. Towering trees have been uprooted or snapped in half, blocking roads and posing a safety hazard. City crews are using chainsaws and heavy equipment to clear debris and assess the damage. Mayor Bruce Harrell declared a civil emergency in Seattle due to the storm’s impact. He urged residents to stay indoors and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. “This is a dangerous situation,” said Harrell. “We are asking everyone to please take this storm seriously and follow the instructions of emergency responders.” Seattle Public Schools has canceled classes on Monday due to the ongoing storm conditions. The district said it is assessing the damage to school buildings and will make a decision about Tuesday’s classes later in the day. Transportation has been severely disrupted due to downed trees and debris on roadways. Major highways, including Interstate 5, have been closed in some areas. Public transportation services, such as buses and light rail, have also been affected by the storm. The storm is expected to continue into Monday afternoon, bringing additional rain and wind. Residents are urged to monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for potential power outages and flooding.