Windstorm shuts down bridges, disrupts transit service and power

A warning for commuters from WSDOT:

High winds moving through Western Washington have cut power to several traffic signals on state highways and prompted WSDOT maintenance crews to close the Evergreen Point Bridge (SR 520) and the Hood Canal Bridge (SR 104).

We have closed the SR 520 bridge at 10:30 p.m. due to sustained winds up to 54 mph and gusts up to 63 mph. The bridge will remain closed to traffic until the storm passes, which could be as late as noon Friday.

Shortly after 8 p.m., WSDOT closed the Hood Canal Bridge in both directions due to sustained winds of 40 mph for more than 15 minutes. Gusts were clocked up to 74 mph. The reopening time of the bridge is not known at this time.

Crews continue to monitor the SR 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The storm is expected to intensify in the overnight hours.

Other State Highway Closures:

Jefferson County – SR 101 has multiple lane closures along the west bank of Hood Canal due to water over the roadway.

King County - The eastbound SR 520 on-ramp from Lake Washington Blvd. is closed due to fallen trees.

SR 203 is blocked by fallen trees south of Duvall (milepost 10.5).

Lewis County – SR 6 is closed between PeEll and Chehalis due to trees and power lines blocking the roadway.

Mason County – SR 302 is blocked in both directions just west of SR 16 due to downed power lines.

Pacific County – SR 101 the Astoria-Megler Bridge between Washington and Oregon is restricted for oversized loads.

Wahkiakum County – SR 4 is closed between Cathlamet and West Longview due to flooding and downed power lines.

Skagit County - SR 11 (Chuckanut Drive) is closed in both directions north of Burlington at milepost 3. Trees are blocking the roadway.

Snohomish County

SR 522 is blocked by fallen trees at Paradise Lake Road east of Woodinville

SR 531 is blocked by trees at McCrae Road west of Arlington

Traffic signals at intersections have lost power in several locations. Drivers are advised to watch for dark traffic signals. If a traffic signal is dark, treat the intersection as a four way stop.

Washington State Ferries is reporting ferry routes all operational, but boat captains are approaching ferry terminals with great care. This could affect ferry schedules.

If you need to go out tomorrow, please plan your trip accordingly. Metro and Sound Transit also have this rider advisory:

If the [State Route 520] bridge is closed, affected Metro Transit and Sound Transit routes will make regular stops in downtown Seattle or the University District, and then operate via I-5, I-90, and I-405. Stops at Montlake Freeway Station, Evergreen Point Freeway Station, and Yarrow Point Freeway station are missed. Stops between SR-520 and Bellevue Transit Center are served by shuttle vans operating from Bellevue Transit Center.Other east side stops are made as usual, although there are likely to be delays in service.

One final advisory: due to the severe weather in the region this evening, King County Emergency 911 centers are experiencing overwhelming high call volumes with non emergency calls. These non-emergency calls are blocking true emergency calls from reaching the 9-1-1 services.

Citizens with life threatening emergencies in need of an immediate police, fire, or medical response should call 9-1-1. All non-life threatening calls are urged to use an alternate phone number for the appropriate local agency.