Fri Nov 22 09:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Kitsap County Reeling from Windstorm: Schools Delayed, Roads Closed, Power Outages Widespread
**Kitsap County, WA –** A powerful windstorm that swept through the region Tuesday night has left Kitsap County grappling with widespread power outages, school closures, and road blockages. The storm, which brought gusts exceeding 70 mph in some areas, caused significant damage across the county.
Bainbridge Island School District canceled all classes Wednesday due to island-wide power outages. Several other districts implemented delayed openings: Central Kitsap, North Kitsap, and Olympic College’s Bremerton campus opened two hours late. Gordon Elementary in North Kitsap remained closed for the day due to a lack of power, while Olympic College’s Poulsbo campus opened at 3 p.m.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) reported nearly 475,000 customers across Western Washington were without power as of 1 a.m. Wednesday, with some outages expected to last for days. Thousands in Kitsap County are affected, primarily on Bainbridge Island, in North Kitsap, and the Illahee and Brownsville areas of Central Kitsap.
The storm’s impact extended beyond schools. Kitsap County reported at least 12 road closures due to downed trees and power lines, mostly in North Kitsap. While some roads were cleared by late morning, others remain closed pending PSE crews’ arrival. Bainbridge Island also announced several road closures. Kitsap Transit cancelled two early morning fast ferry routes, and Washington State Ferries warned of bumpy rides and potential service disruptions. Delivery of the Kitsap Sun newspaper was also delayed in some areas.
The National Weather Service reported wind gusts reaching 61 mph in Port Townsend, 63 mph on Camano Island, and over 70 mph in Enumclaw and at Mount Rainier. Sea-Tac Airport recorded a 55 mph gust. While showers are expected to continue, high winds are not anticipated. City offices on Bainbridge Island opened two hours late. This is a developing story and will be updated.
First Piper 