Two travelers on Interstate 5 in Whatcom County were injured when a tree, knocked down by a strong windstorm, fell onto their vehicle. The incident occurred just before 11 a.m. near milepost 245, close to Bellingham, as per a King5 report. The fallen tree broke through the Jeep's windshield, and the two individuals were hospitalized with minor injuries, according to the Washington State Patrol. KING 5 Weather Team linked the accident to the severe weather affecting western Washington over the weekend. The two individuals involved in the accident were taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.
As the windstorm swept through the region, Puget Sound Energy reported that by 3 p.m., around 2,000 customers in Whatcom County were without power, with the total number reaching nearly 50,000 across their service area. The storm also caused road closures, including at the intersection of Nooksack Road (SR9) and E Badger Road (SR546) in Everson, where trees and power lines blocked the roads. Local authorities had no estimated time for reopening, as highlighted by Whatcom News.
Gale warnings remained in effect through Saturday night, with Wind Advisories issued for areas like Everett and the San Juan Islands, where sustained winds of 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph posed a significant threat. The Washington State Patrol urged the public to "Please stay vigilant, watch for debris in the road, and report downed power lines," according to a statement obtained by KIRO 7.
