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Burien power outage concerns emerged Saturday night as a powerful windstorm moved across Western Washington, knocking out electricity for at least 83,000 customers and creating difficult travel conditions around Puget Sound.
The Seattle Times reported that Seattle City Light had more than 46,000 customers without power at about 9 p.m. Saturday. The outages were spread across 40 locations, including West Seattle, South Seattle and North Seattle. Burien was not separately identified in the outage figures, so residents should confirm their service status with their electricity provider.
Burien Power Outage Reports Follow Powerful Windstorm
Puget Sound Energy reported more than 27,000 customers affected at 226 outage locations across the region. The impacted communities included Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, Bellevue and other Eastside areas. Because utility service territories vary, a Burien power outage may not appear under the same provider or regional total as nearby Seattle disruptions.
Additional outages were reported farther west and along the coast. Clallam County Public Utility District listed approximately 7,000 customers without electricity along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Grays Harbor County Public Utility District reported another 3,000 outages.
- Seattle City Light: More than 46,000 customers affected
- Puget Sound Energy: More than 27,000 customers affected
- Clallam County PUD: Approximately 7,000 outages
- Grays Harbor County PUD: About 3,000 outages
Strong Gusts Batter Western Washington
The storm brought powerful winds to several parts of the region. Gusts reached 43 mph Saturday night at Boeing Field in King County, while Hoquiam recorded a peak gust of 69 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Weather officials said many other locations recorded wind speeds in the 40-mph range as the front pushed east through Puget Sound.
The storm’s arrival also brought a sharp temperature change in Seattle. Temperatures climbed to 65 degrees at 8 p.m. before dropping about 10 degrees within an hour. The rapid shift, combined with rain and strong winds, increased the risk of downed branches, damaged lines and additional service interruptions.
What Burien Residents Should Know
Residents dealing with a Burien power outage should first determine which utility serves their address and report any outage through that provider’s established channels. People should avoid approaching downed wires and treat every fallen line as energized. Drivers and pedestrians should also use caution near intersections where traffic signals may be out.
Customers can prepare by keeping flashlights, batteries, portable phone chargers, blankets and necessary medications close at hand. Refrigerators and freezers should remain closed as much as possible to preserve food. Anyone using a generator must operate it outdoors and away from windows, doors and vents because carbon monoxide can build up quickly indoors.
Ferry Service Paused as Rough Seas Hit
Washington State Ferries paused service between Port Townsend and Coupeville because of rough seas. The suspension highlighted the broader transportation impact of the storm, which affected both power systems and marine travel.
A wind advisory remained in effect around Puget Sound until 4 a.m. Sunday. Rain showers were expected to continue into the following week, while forecasters warned that a possible atmospheric river could bring heavy rain and flooding to much of the West Coast in mid-November.
For Burien households, the immediate concern is whether local outages expand as more wind moves through the area. Utility restoration times can vary depending on the number of damaged lines, road access and the severity of the storm. Residents should rely on official utility updates and local emergency notifications for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Burien specifically listed in the outage totals?
No. Burien was not separately identified in the reported outage figures. The totals included broader areas served by Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy, so customers should check their provider for address-specific information.
How many Western Washington customers lost power?
At least 83,000 customers were reported without electricity Saturday night, including more than 46,000 Seattle City Light customers and more than 27,000 Puget Sound Energy customers.
What should residents do during a power outage?
Use flashlights instead of candles when possible, keep refrigerators closed, unplug sensitive electronics and stay away from downed power lines. Generators should always be used outdoors.
How strong were the storm winds?
Gusts reached 43 mph at Boeing Field and 69 mph in Hoquiam, according to the National Weather Service.
