Photos
Now wind.
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory effective until 10 a.m. Saturday, calling for winds of 20 to 30 mph this morning, with gusts to 45.
That will do little to help crews that were frantically trying to restore power to nearly 47,000 customers in Thurston County, according to Puget Sound Energy. It will take at least through the weekend to restore power, said Gretchen Aliabadi, a spokeswoman for the power company.
“That could change or be longer because of the new storms coming in,” she said.
She warned people to avoid power lines and to not use their chain saws to cut trees where they could get shocked.
“We are asking for a lot of patience from our customers,” she said, “but just because your power’s out does not mean that line is de-energized.”
Many roads remained closed around the area as crews struggled to keep up with downed trees. Even Interstate 5 was wasn’t spared; it was closed for a time Friday morning at Grand Mound because of downed lines.
Much of downtown Olympia, including the state Capitol Campus, lacked power for hours Friday. Schools, businesses and government offices were closed again. People scrambled to find businesses that had power and simple necessities such as gasoline.
The Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the McLane fire station, 125 Delphi Road, where people could take refuge Friday night.
“Anybody can come over and use the facility,” said Davie Kindell, a spokeswoman for the McLane Black Lake Fire Department, whether they just need to warm up or need to stay overnight.
The shelter moved from First Christian Church of Olympia, where 60 people found a place to stay Thursday night, said Danny Kadden, executive director of Interfaith Works.
Winds will die down Saturday, but it will remain breezy, said Dennis D’Amico, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle. And then the concern turns to flooding, as rain continues to fall and melt inches of packed snow and ice.
The Weather Service has issued a flood warning and urban and small-stream flood advisory. D’Amico said the greatest threats are for the Chehalis, Newaukum and Skookumchuck rivers.
Kindell said sandbags are available at the McLane fire station.
Rain is in the forecast through at least next Friday. Temperatures will stay in the 40s and possibly surpass 50 on Wednesday. But another cold pattern may return next weekend, D’Amico said.
Matt Batcheldor: 360-704-6869
mbatcheldor@theolympian.com
