Storm leaves 300,000 people without power in Washington state

A powerful storm, carrying high winds, rain and snow, left just under 300,000 people without power in Washington state late Wednesday. 

The major storm, which is considered a “bomb cyclone,” hit western Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday, causing more than 294,000 state residents to lose power, according to the latest number on poweroutage.us, a tracking website. 

Bomb cyclones occur when the pressure in the heart of the storm drops, adding to its power. AccuWeather said Wednesday morning that it is “likely the strongest storm ever measured off the coast of Washington State.” 

As a result of the storm blanketing the Pacific Northwest state, two people were killed. A woman in her 50s died after a “large” tree fell on a homeless encampment, according to South County Fire, which provides emergency medical and fire services to Snohomish County. 

A Bridle Trails neighborhood resident died after a tree fell onto a house, according to the Bellevue Fire Department. 

“The caller was transported to safety until conditions near the home improved," the fire department said. “We are thinking of the family, and community, which we know are impacted by this death.” 

They warned residents on Tuesday that “if you are able, head to the lowest floor you can and stay away from windows. Do not go outside if you can avoid it.”

Wind gusts reached speeds up to 101 mph off the coast of Vancouver Island, according to AccuWeather, with a foot of snow falling at several locations in Washington state. Several schools were closed in Seattle. The storm has brought blizzards and rainfall to Oregon and northwestern California. 

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) said the Seattle Public Library “remains open as a community resource as our area recovers from this storm.”

“If you need a place to warm up, charge your devices, and rest, visit one of their locations,” she added Wednesday.