Severe Wind-Thunderstorm Sweeps Through Whatcom County, Causing Widespread Electrical Emergencies

Illustrated map of outagesPhoto byPSE

WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Breaking News: A powerful wind-thunderstorm currently sweeping through the region, from South to North Western Washington, has led to numerous electrical emergencies within Whatcom County. First responders are racing to manage a series of incidents, including arcing wires and downed power lines.

As of 10:46 PM, the Whatcom County Fire and Emergency Management Service (WCFEMS) reported multiple electrical emergencies across the region. A snapshot of the ongoing situation reveals incidents from Bellingham to Deming, and as far as Acme and Lynden. The emergencies range from dangerously arcing wires to downed power lines across roads, creating significant hazards for residents and emergency crews alike.

The storm, characterized by high winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning, has caused widespread disruption. The National Weather Service had earlier issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area, predicting the possibility of damaging winds and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. These predictions have unfortunately come to fruition, with wind gusts reportedly exceeding 50 miles per hour in some areas.

In Bellingham alone, emergency crews have been dispatched to at least three electrical emergencies and two incidents of arcing wires within a span of 20 minutes. Similar emergencies have been reported in Deming, Acme, and Lynden, indicating the storm's widespread impact.

A satellite image illustrates the severity of the situation, highlighting multiple locations across Whatcom County affected by power outages and electrical hazards. The map shows significant clusters of incidents, particularly in Bellingham, with 22 reported cases in the very early stages of this storm, as well as multiple outages in areas such as Acme, Deming, and Bow. The highlighted areas show the storm's intensity, affecting communities from the outskirts of Bellingham down to Sedro-Woolley. This visual representation further emphasizes the widespread impact of the storm on local infrastructure and the pressing need for caution and vigilance.

Residents are urged to remain indoors and avoid any areas where power lines are down or arcing, as these situations pose serious risks of electrocution and fire. The WCFEMS is currently working with local utility companies to address these hazards, but given the volume of incidents, response times may be delayed.

Authorities are advising residents to stay tuned to local news and weather updates for the latest information and to exercise caution if travel is necessary. As the storm persists, power outages and further emergencies are likely. The community is encouraged to check on neighbors, especially those who may be vulnerable, and report any downed wires or other hazards to emergency services immediately.

Randy Small from Whatcom County Weather, who has been chasing the storm live on Facebook, showcased the increasing severity of the storm, including heavy lightning, as it moved northbound toward Bellingham.

Stay safe, Whatcom County, and remain vigilant as this storm continues to make its way through the region.