Storm floods roads, turns out lights in Western Washington

SEATTLE — Heavy rains and strong winds struck Western Washington on Friday, knocking out power in some areas and making driving treacherous.

Puget Sound Energy reported nearly 5,000 customers without power Friday morning, but that number dropped to fewer than 3,000 by afternoon.

Schools were closed in the Mount Baker School District for lack of power.

Wind gusts were generally in the 30- to 45-mph range.

Rainfall totals ranged from 3 to 5 inches in the North Cascades, 4 to 6 inches along the coast, and 8 to 12 inches in the Olympic Mountains.

The heavy rains and gusty winds were expected to subside later Friday. But more rain was forecast for today, with snow likely in the mountains.

The state Department of Transportation closed the North Cascades Highway for the weekend, over concerns of avalanches from the wet weather.

The National Weather Service in Seattle issued a flood watch through Sunday morning.

The service has issued flood warnings for rivers in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Mason and Snohomish counties.