OLYMPIA, Wash. — Thousands across Washington lost power during the coldest stretch of the season after heavy snowfall slammed the region this weekend.
As of early Monday morning, almost 4,000 customers were without power, down from Sunday might's 10,000, according to Puget Sound Energy (PSE).
Several areas were in the dark including parts of Thurston, Kitsap and Whatcom counties and areas of Vashon Island.
PSE crews were working to restore power but thousands prepared for another night in the cold and dark.
On Saturday morning, Karen Birbari's house was out power, but she was keeping warm by shoveling her driveway in Olympia.
“I’m sweating,” she laughed. “It’s not that cold. But I’d rather be skiing!”
Her neighbor, Jeannie Gruber – also lost power.
“It’s cold, but we have a fire going,” she said.
About a dozen tree limbs were down in her backyard. Neighbors helped her hoist a large limb out of the road, and over the fence.
“I did hear one fall last night,” she said. “It’s a loud crack.”
Another woman passed by on snowshoes – she said her home lost power, and she was headed to her cousin’s place, that still had heat.
