Record 112‑Mph Gust Hits Alpental as Western Washington Winds Begin to Subside
Updated (2 articles)
High Wind Warning Issued Ahead of Severe Gusts The National Weather Service placed a High Wind Warning over western Washington from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, urging caution due to saturated soils from recent rains that heighten tree‑fall danger. Forecasts called for lowland winds of 25‑35 mph with gusts of 40‑50 mph, while coastal and headland areas could see 50‑60 mph gusts and occasional stronger bursts. Winds were expected to arrive rapidly between 11 p.m. Tuesday and early Wednesday, threatening travel and power infrastructure [2].
Record Gusts Measured Across Cascades Wednesday Morning Observations at 2 a.m. recorded a 112 mph gust at Alpental Ski Area, the strongest reading of the event, with White Pass reaching 99 mph and Snoqualmie Pass 82 mph. Dozens of stations logged at least 50 mph gusts, confirming the forecasted severity across the region. The data underscore the extreme wind speeds that surpassed earlier predictions [1].
Coastal Areas Experienced Near‑Record Wind Speeds Whidbey Island reported a 71 mph gust at 12:44 a.m., and New Dungeness Lighthouse near Sequim logged 69 mph, illustrating that coastal zones faced winds comparable to mountain passes. These gusts aligned with the warning’s emphasis on strong winds along beaches, headlands, and exposed ridges. The coastal impacts contributed to widespread power disruptions [1].
Power Outages and Tree Damage Spread Widely Thousands of customers lost electricity across western Washington as the high winds downed trees and snapped power lines, fulfilling the warning’s expectation of extensive outages. Officials highlighted the increased risk of falling trees due to saturated ground, urging residents to stay clear of hazardous branches. Both articles reported significant infrastructure strain and public safety concerns [1][2].
Forecast Calls for Winds to Subside Later Wednesday Meteorologists indicated that wind speeds should gradually decrease throughout Wednesday, reducing the threat of additional outages and travel hazards. The easing trend offers relief after the record‑setting gusts and extensive damage. Residents were advised to remain vigilant until conditions fully normalize [1].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
King5: Top wind gusts overnight in western Washington peak at 112 mph at Alpental: Reports measured gusts up to 112 mph at Alpental, widespread 50‑mph gusts, coastal readings, and thousands of outages, noting winds will ease Wednesday .
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[2]
King5: High Wind Warning in Western Washington Raises Risk of Falling Trees: Details the issued warning, saturated soils increasing tree‑fall risk, forecasted 25‑60 mph gusts, arrival window 11 p.m. Tuesday‑early Wednesday, and expected travel disruptions and outages .
Timeline
Dec 16, 2025 – The National Weather Service issues a High Wind Warning for western Washington, effective 4 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday morning, and KING 5 activates a First Alert. The warning warns that “winds could be 25‑35 mph with gusts of 40‑50 mph” in lowlands and “50‑60 mph gusts” along the coast, heightening risk to lives, property and travel[2]. Officials note that “soils are saturated by sustained heavy rains, which raises the likelihood that gusts will blow down trees,” urging the public to stay clear of vulnerable trees and branches[2].
Dec 16‑17, 2025 (overnight) – Winds arrive rapidly between 11 p.m. Tuesday and early Wednesday, with the strongest gusts expected on exposed ridges, beaches and headlands. The forecast anticipates “widespread power outages” and “difficult travel conditions,” especially for high‑profile vehicles[2]. Isolated thunderstorms may produce erratic, strong gusts, adding to the hazard.
Dec 17, 2025 (early morning) – The National Weather Service records a 112 mph gust at Alpental Ski Area at 2 a.m., the strongest overnight reading in the region. Dozens of stations log at least 50 mph gusts, with White Pass hitting 99 mph and Snoqualmie Pass 82 mph. Coastal sites also see extreme winds, such as Whidbey Island’s 71 mph gust at 12:44 a.m. and New Dungeness Lighthouse’s 69 mph gust in Sequim[1]. The event triggers “thousands of power outages across western Washington”[1].
Dec 17, 2025 (later day) – Forecasters project that the wind event will ease throughout Wednesday, reducing gust intensity and allowing recovery efforts to begin. The anticipated decline in wind speeds offers relief to affected communities and utility crews working to restore power[1].