7,500 without power as storm rolls through Thurston County

Forty to 50 mile per hour wind gusts have knocked out power to several thousand Puget Sound Energy customers in Thurston County, a spokeswoman for the utility said.

As of noon Monday, about 26 outages were reported in the county, totaling 7,500 customers, MacKenzie McDowell said.

A fall storm characterized by heavy rain and gusty winds has swept through Western Washington, resulting in rainfall of more than 2 inches in several areas. Through 4 a.m. Monday, 1.61 inches of rain has fallen in the Olympia area, according to the National Weather Service.

A river and small stream flood advisory is in effect for Western Washington, as is a strong wind advisory through Monday afternoon. Rainfall is expected to ease this evening.