Wind warning issued for Thursday on Whidbey Island

A high wind watch was issued for Thursday, Dec. 3 by the National Weather Service on Wednesday.

December 2, 2015 4:02 pm
Crews clear the road and power lines of tree debris after the Nov. 17 wind storm knocked down lines and limbs on Maxwelton Road near South Whidbey High School. Another storm is on its way
Crews clear the road and power lines of tree debris after the Nov. 17 wind storm knocked down lines and limbs on Maxwelton Road near South Whidbey High School. Another storm is on its way

A high wind watch was issued for Thursday, Dec. 3 by the National Weather Service on Wednesday.

Winds from the southeast between 25 and 40 mph, with gusts near 60 mph, are predicted for the Washington coast and Northwest interior, including Whidbey Island. According to a press release from the weather service, the strongest winds are expected between late morning and the afternoon. But the wind storm may last through the evening, according to the warning.

Damage from toppled trees and downed power lines is listed as a possible impact. A wind storm blew through the Puget Sound region on Tuesday, Nov. 17, killing power to more than 200,000 homes. On Whidbey Island, some were without power until that Saturday while Puget Sound Energy worked to restore service. People reported waiting in line for ethanol-free fuel for their generators for up to 30 minutes at the Valero gas station in Clinton.

The storm destroyed or severely damaged at least three homes, closed schools, blocked roads and damaged utility infrastructure across the South End.