WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Storm updates, including NB Highway 509 closure

5:33 PM: The wind arrived in time for the Wednesday commute home, as forecast. So far, here are the closest problems we’re hearing about:

(Added: Washington State Patrol photo)

-NB Highway 509 is reported to be blocked at Cloverdale (just east of West Seattle) by downed power lines.

-Power’s out in southeast White Center and parts south for more than 3,800 customers.

The National Weather Service‘s wind-advisory alert remains in effect through 11 pm. We’ll update with any other storm-related problems we hear about – please let us know about anything you see, text/voice 206-293-6302. Thanks!

5:52 PM: According to the scanner, a tree is blocking westbound Sylvan Way at Orchard – that would be just west of Delridge Way SW.

7:22 PM: According to the City Light map, most of the people who lost power in White Center and points south now have it back – that outage is down to ~200 customers.

9:24 PM: The photo is from Xana, who explains she heard a huge crack/pop sound from her apartment in the 2300 block of Bonair SW around 7 pm:

I walked out back to where the walkway meets the parking lot and shazam! Was shocked to see the tree in our back courtyard broke and fell and is blocking the entire walkway. If someone had been walking there they would have been crushed or impaled!

The person in her photo is posed by the downed tree to show the scale.

MIDNIGHT UPDATE: WSDOT says in an e-mail update that NB 509 has reopened.

Guy Olson October 18, 2017 (5:42 pm)

I just watched a passenger ferry turnaround and head back towards Vashon, it was near 59th and Alki. Too rough out there perhaps.

WSB October 18, 2017 (5:48 pm)

MarineTraffic.com shows the Sally Fox (Vashon Water Taxi) headed toward the island. It’s supposed to be headed in that direction this time of day, according to the schedule, so here’s hoping all’s well. – tR
- Guy Olson October 18, 2017 (6:17 pm)
  
  Oops, it was the smaller Bremerton foot ferry.

JayDee October 18, 2017 (6:08 pm)

I have seen three flickers in Upper Alki. This is the time for power outages with the trees still having leaves.

pupsarebest October 18, 2017 (7:09 pm)

👍🏻WELCOME, STORM!!!👍🏻

Your drenching, soaking, soothing rains are manna from heaven after the long, hot, dry months we’ve recently endured.

More…more…more! 🌧☔️💦

Erithan October 18, 2017 (7:18 pm)

Can’t tell if it’s weather or not, but is there a concert going on in Alaska junction somewhere by chance?

And wooooo rain!!!

WSB October 18, 2017 (7:19 pm)

That is probably Sisters, performing at Easy Street (see the daily lineup)

BB October 18, 2017 (8:06 pm)

Big tree branch came down on our roof in Fauntleroy.

WSB October 18, 2017 (8:15 pm)

Yikes! Damage? Or did the roof hold up?
- BB October 18, 2017 (8:29 pm)
  
  It appears intact. It is a steep roof and slid off into side yard.
  
  Unfortunately my husband is out of town and it is so dark and windy it’s hard to see if roof shingles are ok. Time well tell if we have a leak.

c. christensen October 18, 2017 (8:58 pm)

just watched a power pole blow a few blocks south of othello lit the whole sky up bright green 3 times so there may be some power outages

Rachel A. October 18, 2017 (9:02 pm)

Is the downed lines still causing NB 509 closure? We just headed home from West Seattle to Des Moines and they have it closed and are detouring people off at 128th.

WSB October 18, 2017 (9:38 pm)

According to someone else who came through, yes, apparently so.
- Julia October 18, 2017 (10:14 pm)
  
  509 Southbound is at a standstill. Can’t tell if they’re working on the power line on this side or if it’s a separate incident. Flares and utility trucks blocking the SB lanes.
  - Julia October 18, 2017 (10:15 pm)
    
    WSDOT truck blocking. All SB traffic being diverted to Myers Way

c. christensen October 18, 2017 (9:04 pm)

39th and othello in the gatewood area* looked to be near holden street*

WSB October 18, 2017 (9:38 pm)

Thanks, someone else messaged us about a light in the sky, but we’ve been sidetracked trying to get a handle on a police situation.

Hoku October 18, 2017 (11:44 pm)

Got to experience the 509 closure at approx 10pm and 11pm. Southbound traffic was being diverted to Meyers Way exit. Small car in ditch between offramp and Cloverdale/Roxbury at 11pm. Power was out in Top Hat both times.

WSB October 19, 2017 (12:01 am)

I’m still not sure whether to trust it till they tweet it too, but a WSDOT e-mail alert says the highway’s open again…

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