WHIDBEY ISLAND — Friday the 13th lived up to its cursed name.
Due to high winds, not superstition, the majority of Whidbey Island was hit with a prolonged power outage estimated to last 12 hours or longer for most residents.
The power went out around 11:30 a.m. Friday. According to Puget Sound Energy, it was expected to be as late as midnight before it was restored.
The PSE outage map showed more than 36,000 customers were affected, including those in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island, La Conner and other service areas near Whidbey.
Residents on Camano Island lost power around 11:15 a.m. Friday due to equipment damage on a transmission line, said Aaron Swaney, a spokesman for the Snohomish County Public Utility District. About 14,500 PUD customers, including some in Stanwood, were without power as of Friday evening.
On Whidbey, traffic lights at some highway intersections were out, creating minor motorist confusion. Main grocery stores with generators were open.
The Clinton ferry terminal has a generator and service to Mukilteo remained on schedule.
Washington State Ferries spokesperson Dana Warr said the Coupeville terminal doesn’t have a generator. At least two round-trips to Port Townsend were canceled due to weather.
“If power isn’t restored shortly and weather continues, it’s possible more sailings will be canceled,” Warr wrote in an email.
Andrea Brown: abrown@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3443. Twitter @reporterbrown.
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