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March Windstorm Event

We understand how difficult it is to be without power, and we appreciate your patience. Crews continued to make steady progress overnight. Small pockets of customers remain without power in King County, Greenwater, and Skykomish. The plan for today is to continue to assess damage in difficult access areas and restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Below are updates and current estimated restoration times for hard-hit areas:

  • In Skykomish, crews continue to work on the electric system that feeds the town from the west. An additional helicopter patrol is scheduled for later in the morning. We expect to have power restored to our Skykomish customers by today, March 15 at 8 p.m.
  • In King County, crews continue to repair damage to the system throughout the morning. We still expect most customers will have their power restored by today, March 15 at 8 p.m.
  • In Greenwater, Highway 410 remains closed and the combination of deep snow and many fallen trees is preventing crews and equipment from accessing damaged electric equipment. Based on current conditions, restoration efforts could go into Monday. Estimated times of restoration will be updated in the PSE outage map as we are able to reassess for any improvement to travel and access during today's early daylight.

Estimated restoration times by region are available at pse.com/alerts. As crews are assigned to a repair job, the specific time for that outage will be added to the outage map.

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Safety first. Never touch or go within 35 feet of downed power lines because they might be energized. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report problems.

Report and track power outages online

Electric safety tips

  • Know where your home's circuit panel is and how to turn off your breakers and main switch.
  • Never use an oven to heat your home.
  • If you’re using a generator, follow the manufacturer's instructions. See safety tips about portable generators.
  • Check for overhead powerlines when working outdoors around your house. Remember to keep tall ladders, roofing materials and pruning equipment clear of overhead power lines to avoid a hazardous situation.
  • Stay clear of downed power lines.
  • Never climb transmission towers, power poles or substation fences. If a pet is stuck after climbing a power pole, call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or call 911.
  • Do not sit on the cabinets housing electrical equipment.
  • When getting ready to dig, make sure to call 811 — the free "Call Before You Dig" hotline — to avoid potential hazards with striking or digging around underground utilities.
  • Plant new trees away from overhead power lines.
  • Never climb trees near power lines – even if the power lines are not touching the trees.
  • Avoid flying kites, metallic balloons, drones and radio-controlled toys near power lines. If a kite or Mylar balloon drifts near a power line, let it go. Never try to retrieve anything caught in a power line or from a tree located near a power line.
  • Do not build playhouses or platforms in trees with nearby power lines.
  • Contact PSE if you suspect your meter appears to show signs of Tampering or Diversion.
  • Never install hot tubs, swimming or wading pools underneath or near power lines.

Training and public education

We regularly train employees, contractors and emergency first responders so they are prepared to respond in the event of an electrical emergency. We also educate customers and the general public about the importance of safety around high voltage electricity. For more information or to request training, please contact publicsafety@pse.com.