Thousands Lose Power as Snow Hits Western Washington

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Tens of thousands of homes and businesses across western Washington lost power on Friday as snow fell in the lowlands, leading to school closures and transportation disruptions. Local utility companies are working around the clock to restore electricity to affected customers.

Why it matters

Power outages during severe winter weather can pose significant challenges for residents, especially those who rely on electricity for heating, food storage, and other essential needs. The situation highlights the importance of utility companies' preparedness and responsiveness in maintaining reliable service during extreme conditions.

The details

By mid-morning on Friday, more than 25,000 Puget Sound Energy customers were experiencing power outages. In Seattle, nearly 1,500 homes and businesses were without power by 11 a.m., according to Seattle City Light. The utilities are updating their outage maps and working to restore service as quickly as possible.

• On Friday, March 13, 2026, snow began falling in western Washington, leading to widespread power outages.
• By mid-morning on Friday, more than 25,000 Puget Sound Energy customers were experiencing power outages.
• By 11 a.m. on Friday, nearly 1,500 homes and businesses in Seattle were without power, according to Seattle City Light.

What’s next

Utility companies will continue to work to restore power to affected customers as quickly as possible, and residents are encouraged to report outages and follow safety guidelines during the inclement weather.