PNW Windstorms

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Windstorms in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) happen typically in our fall and winter months. I remember one year the winds were so bad they knocked down several trees which caused power outages throughout our city.

In our neighborhood we lost power for more than five days. It's amazing how much we rely on and take for granted our power. The basic switching the lights on and off, turning the heater on, and one of my favorites the refrigerator! After 3 days it gets a little scary trying not to open your doors to keep the cooler temperatures from escaping. Our family tends to keep two freezers to store extra meat and other food, when your meat thaws and goes bad before you can make it and eat it is a big inconvenience.

In Washington state our power lines are not able to withstand strong winds like the Santa Ana winds in Southern California. If you think about it, palm trees do not fall over from the winds like our pine trees up here. When we have multiple outages and problems throughout the state, California electricians will travel up here to help us get back up and running. Thank goodness for that.

Our recommendation for you is to prepare for potential outages when wind is on the forecast. Here are some tips:

• Be sure flashlights or lanterns have fresh batteries
• Make sure flashlights are in accessible places
• Keep some nonperishables on hand such as: emergency food and water
• Invest in a generator
• Or if your campers use a propane stove (outside!)
• Keep extra blankets on hand if the weather is colder

We hope these tips are helpful in a windstorm pinch. Call our office if you have any questions or windstorm damage you need assistance with 253-851-6711.