SEATTLE — Major utility providers are bracing for the possibility of more power outages come Friday as another weather system sweeps into the region.
Over 300,000 people remain without power the second day after a bomb cyclone wrought havoc on western Washington. At its peak, there were 600,000 people in the dark.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has been warning its customers that the outages could last for days. Over 270,000 of those currently without power are PSE customers.
The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory for the east Puget Sound lowlands beginning Thursday evening and lasting into Friday morning. This is the same area that was primarily affected by the bomb cyclone.
Wind gusts between 20 and 35 miles per hour will be possible while the advisory is in effect. The gusts are significantly less powerful than Tuesday's storm but will be strong enough to blow down tree limbs and cause more outages - a jarring possibility for people who remain without power or have just gotten it restored.
PSE said it is trying to turn the lights on for as many people as possible before Friday's storm and is monitoring the new system closely.
"We are prepared to respond if there is new damage to the system," the company said in a statement to KING 5. "We ask that our customers be prepared and stay safe: restock your emergency kits, make a plan and download the MyPSE app."
The company reiterated its warning to customers: "Please do NOT go near any downed lines - even if you think they are not energized."
Utility crews from other areas of Washington state, British Columbia, Idaho and Oregon have traveled to help Seattle City Light and PSE fix power lines across the region.
Seattle City Light said leading into tomorrow's storm, they are making sure their crews are rested and well-equipped to deploy as needed.
The Snohomish Public Utilities District said they plan to communicate with their customers about the potential for more outages on Thursday. Their storm managers are watching the weather forecast and helping the company prepare for possible wind damage.
"Because we're still in the middle of restoration from the first storm, we are prepared for more outages (though we hope the winds are slight and we don't get more)," the utility said in a statement to KING 5.
Snohomish PUD will likely pull their crews from restoration work if the wind does get heavy out of an abundance of caution as they "don't want any injuries from falling limbs or trees." Crews would be redeployed when it's safe to do so.