Spring storm hits W. Washington

An unseasonable spring storm rocked Western Washington on Friday with high winds, rain and heavy snow in the Cascade Mountains. Trees toppled in many areas, temporarily knocking out power to thousands of households.

Gusting winds topped 60 mph in a few locations with Oak Harbor, Bangor, Kirkland and Everett all recording gusts of 62 mph, and Bellingham hitting 61 mph. Winds elsewhere were often in the 44-55 mph range. Several communities near Hood Canal reported some lowland snow.

In the Cascades, more than a foot of new snow fell. Drivers who were more prepared for spring than winter contributed to several minor accidents. Eastbound Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass was closed for more than an hour Friday night so the road could be cleared.

KOMO-TV reports that the San Juan Islands lost power for a while Friday morning.

Puget Sound Energy crews had restored most of their utility's outages by late Friday night.

Seattle City Light crews restored power Friday afternoon to 3,700 homes and businesses in Burien and unincorporated King County. Earlier, they restored service to about 2,900 customers in Lake Forest Park.