Do You Have Power?

Are you getting tired of me talking about the weather yet? Yes, we had another bad storm - this time the biggest component was high winds. The bulk of the storm happened between yesterday afternoon and this morning. This morning there were over a million households in Western Washington without power. Utilities are saying some in outlying areas may wait days or even up to a couple weeks to have power restored.

I hope everyone reading has their power by now. My mother in Lacey is still without and tells me she is "freezing." I hope to convince her to visit the next door neighbors if her power doesn't return soon. They don't have power either, but they have a wood stove for heat.

Today I'm thinking about all the people who endured damage or hardship from the storm. Just some of its effects:

• Lots of planes grounded. The airport recorded a record gust of wind at 69mph. Power was out in some areas of the airport and the wind actually blew in a window on the B concourse.
• Over 1 million households without power.
• Major bridges closed (Hood Canal; 520).
• Freeway (I-5) closed at one point because the water was so deep cars were stalling out in it.
• All schools in King County closed today; most schools in other counties of Western Washington closed or running late.
• Roads blocked by fallen trees.
  
• Four people killed. Some died when their cars were hit by falling trees. One woman drowned in her basement when there was a sudden flood and the water pressure wouldn't allow her to open the door.

It's hard to believe we've had so much severe weather already and winter isn't even here yet.

I hope you and your loved ones are warm and safe.