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Winds, heavy rain leave thousands without power across western Washington

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Winds, heavy rain leave thousands without power across western Washington


Strong winds and steady rain moved through western Washington on Wednesday, knocking out power to tens of thousands of customers and toppling trees across the region.

Utilities reported widespread outages as gusty conditions intensified throughout the afternoon and evening.

I-90 fully reopens after Snoqualmie Pass spinouts and crashes briefly shut lanes

As of 11:04 p.m., the following companies have reported the outage numbers below.

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The storm brought periods of heavy rain and wind gusts strong enough to bring down tree limbs and power lines in some areas. Crews are working throughout the region to assess damage and restore service.

Utilities urged residents to stay away from downed power lines and report outages through official company websites or hotlines.

They also said conditions are expected to gradually improve as the storm system moves out of the area, though scattered showers may linger.

Before a power outage

  • Register life-sustaining and medical equipment with your utility company.
  • Consider buying a generator. When installing a generator, follow the instructions carefully. Keep your generator outside and run a cord inside. Don’t connect your generator to main service panels—it’s dangerous! Be sure to place a carbon monoxide detector indoors.
  • Make sure your disaster preparedness kit contains light sticks, flashlights, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries and a wind-up clock.
  • Have a corded telephone available — cordless phones will not work when the power is out.
  • Have a safe alternative heat source and supply of fuel. Never burn charcoal or use a generator indoors.
  • If you own an electric garage door opener, know how to open the door without power.

During a power outage

  • Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Even if it is dark, turn light switches and buttons on lamps or appliances to the “off” position.
  • Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from possible surges when the power is restored.
  • Leave one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.
  • Conserve water, especially if you use well water.
  • Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues or portable or propane heaters for indoor heating—they use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.
  • Candles can cause a fire. It’s far better to use battery-operated flashlights or glow sticks for lighting.
  • Using a kerosene heater, gas lantern or stove inside the house can be dangerous. Maintain proper ventilation at all times to avoid a buildup of toxic fumes, and be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.

Keep food safe

  • Use and store food carefully to prevent foodborne illness when power outages make refrigeration unavailable.
  • Use foods first that can spoil most rapidly.
  • Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers closed. Your refrigerator’s freezer will keep food frozen for up to a day. A separate fully-loaded freezer will keep food frozen for two days.
  • Use an ice chest packed with ice or snow to keep food cold. Buy dry ice to save frozen food. Do not handle dry ice with your bare hands. Use blocks or bags of ice to save refrigerator foods.
  • Use caution if storing food outside during winter to keep it cold. The outside temperature varies, especially in the sun. Frozen food may thaw and refrigerator food may become warm enough to grow bacteria. Food stored outside must be secured from contamination by animals.
  • If in doubt, throw it out. Throw out meat, seafood, dairy products and cooked food that does not feel cold.
  • Never taste suspect food. Even if food looks and smells fine, illness-causing bacteria may be present.
  • If you do experience a power outage, below are ways you can report an outage to your utility company.

Safety Around Fallen Power Lines

Officials say it’s never safe to approach a power line that is on the ground, often called a “downed” power line. These lines can still be energized and electrocute people. You should stay at least 30 feet away from any downed power line and call the utility company to report it. If the fallen line is life-threatening, for example, causing a fire or touching an occupied car, call 911. Read more on power line safety here.

Stay with KOMO News for updates during severe weather by downloading our app and following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Fatal Stafford crash closes southbound I-95 at mile marker 146

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Fatal Stafford crash closes southbound I-95 at mile marker 146


Crews are on the scene of a serious crash on I-95 South in Stafford, Virginia.

Virginia State Police confirmed the crash was fatal but has not yet confirmed how many fatalities there were.

All southbound lanes are closed at mile marker 146.

Traffic is being diverted to Route 1 at exit 148.

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This is a developing story. Stay with News4 and nbcwashington.com for updates.



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Sounders FC, Starbucks and Washington Youth Soccer launch Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass to celebrate the next generation of soccer across the Evergreen State | Seattle Sounders

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Sounders FC, Starbucks and Washington Youth Soccer launch Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass to celebrate the next generation of soccer across the Evergreen State | Seattle Sounders


RENTON, WASH. Sounders FC, in partnership with Starbucks and Washington Youth Soccer, today announced the launch of the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass, a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to inspire the next generation of young athletes across the Evergreen State. As the sport reaches a defining moment across North America, the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass invites every registered Washington Youth Soccer athlete aged 18 and under to receive a complimentary ticket to select home matches this season, connecting young players and their families across Washington to the heart of Sounders FC matchdays and Pacific Northwest soccer culture.

More than a ticket initiative, the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass is rooted in a shared belief that soccer belongs to everyone who plays it. With over 90,000 registered Washington Youth Soccer athletes eligible for the program – which includes access to additional discounted tickets for friends and family members – the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass celebrates those that continue to shape the sport’s strong foundation across the state. Coming at a significant moment for soccer in the region, with Seattle hosting six matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ this summer, Sounders FC and its partners are joining together to invest in the players, families, clubs and communities that fuel the game year-round.

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“The Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass is about recognizing that every young player across Washington is already part of the story of this club,” said Sounders FC President of Business Operations Hugh Weber. “The Sounders are not just Seattle’s club – it’s Washington’s soccer club. Many of the players who wear our crest today, including Jordan Morris, Paul Rothrock and Jackson Ragen, grew up playing in Washington Youth Soccer. Their journeys are proof that the connection between local soccer communities and Sounders FC is real, lasting and deeply rooted.”

The program is available for the Rave Green’s final 12 MLS regular-season and Leagues Cup home matches of the 2026 campaign, beginning with Seattle’s first contest after the 2026 FIFA World Cup break against archrival Portland Timbers on Thursday, July 16 (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, FS1, iHeartMedia Seattle, El Rey 1360 AM). Eligible Washington Youth Soccer athletes can access the offer through a **dedicated online portal** using their WYS Player ID.

With Seattle as its hometown, Starbucks is deeply rooted in communities across Washington and beyond. Starbucks serves as the initiative’s founding partner to make professional soccer more accessible for families throughout the season. A longtime Sounders FC partner, Starbucks joins the club in its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for youth athletes and their families across Washington, reinforcing shared values of community, connection and access to the game.

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“We are proud to partner with Sounders FC and Washington Youth Soccer to expand our support for youth soccer across our hometown of Seattle and communities across Washington,” said Starbucks Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Erin Silvoy. “At Starbucks, we believe sports are a powerful force for connection, that brings people together through shared rituals and moments of joy. By helping more youth experience soccer first-hand, we hope to inspire the next generation while supporting the athletes, coaches and families who make our communities stronger.”

Founded in 1961, Washington Youth Soccer is one of the region’s leading youth sports organizations, helping shape generations of players and families through recreational and competitive opportunities across the state for more than 60 years. Affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer, U.S. Soccer and FIFA, Washington Youth Soccer works alongside nearly 200 member clubs and local associations to help grow and strengthen the game at every level, creating accessible pathways and enriching experiences for youth athletes and their families throughout Washington.

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”We see this partnership as a catalyst to inspire the next generation of youth soccer players,” said Washington Youth Soccer Executive Director Roger Levesque. “There is something unique about attending a Sounders match at Lumen Field – the sights, sounds and world-class soccer all contribute to a goose bump-inducing experience. But the true inspiration comes from living the highs and lows of a match together, alongside family, friends and thousands of fans, who for 90 minutes, are all on the same team. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Sounders FC and Starbucks to bring this experience and the joy of soccer to the Washington Youth Soccer community.”

MLS is currently amid an extended break from play for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with Seattle returning to action on Thursday, July 16 against the Portland Timbers on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, iHeartMedia Seattle, El Rey 1360 AM).

ABOUT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

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Born in 1974 and a member of Major League Soccer since 2009, Seattle Sounders FC is one of North America’s leading professional soccer organizations. The club has captured nine major trophies since its inaugural MLS season, and following its Leagues Cup victory in 2025, Seattle became the first team in U.S. soccer history to win every major competition (Concacaf Champions Cup, MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup). Since the club’s MLS debut, Sounders fans have set the standard for soccer support in North America, leading the league in attendance for eight-consecutive seasons (2009-2016), routinely ranking in the global top 30 among all professional clubs and never finishing outside of MLS’ top three.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to responsibly sourcing and roasting hi-quality arabica coffee. Today, with a global footprint of more than 41,000 company-operated and licensed coffeehouses and a growing presence in consumer-packaged goods, we are the world’s premier purveyor of specialty coffee. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.

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ABOUT WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER

Washington Youth Soccer (WYS) is the largest youth sports organization in Washington State, serving more than 90,000 players through a network of over 200 member associations and clubs statewide. WYS is committed to fostering the physical, mental, and emotional growth of youth through the game of soccer by creating opportunities for players of all backgrounds and ability levels to learn, compete, and thrive. Through leagues, tournaments, player development programs, coaching education, community partnerships, and initiatives supported by the Washington Youth Soccer Foundation, WYS works to grow the game and create meaningful experiences for young athletes across Washington.

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Brazil presidential hopeful Bolsonaro adds Rubio, Vance talks to Washington trail

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Brazil presidential hopeful Bolsonaro adds Rubio, Vance talks to Washington trail


Brazilian Senator and presidential contender Flavio Bolsonaro said he met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on ​Wednesday, following an Oval Office visit with President ​Donald Trump the day before.



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