A tree into power lines caused a power outage in the Ridgefield area this morning as stormy weather rolled in over Clark County.
The outage, which affected more than 2,000 customers, was reported just after 10 a.m., Clark Public Utilities spokeswoman Erica Erland said. Power has since been restored.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for this afternoon for Clark County, warning of strong winds between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. today. The advisory said that winds between 10 to 30 mph are expected, but that gusts could reach speeds of 35 to 45 mph with the strongest winds expected between 4 and 9 p.m.
The weather service warned that this could cause downed tree limbs which could cause power outages or hazards for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Rainfall this morning kicked off the start to a strong storm predicted to bring heavy winds and drenching rains to the area through the weekend. The weather service said this morning that breezy conditions are expected through Friday and another strong storm could hit the region Saturday.
Rain-soaked roadways caused a slower commute this morning throughout Clark County. More than 1/4 inch of rain has reportedly fallen since 4 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters expect enough breaks in the storm that area rivers won’t flood, but the rain could mean flooding in low-lying areas, or along curbs with leaf-clogged drains.
Still, Vancouver’s Public Works department has made self-serve sandbag sites available at the former Golden Skate building, 4915 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., and the Vancouver Public Works site, 912 N.E. 192nd Ave. Bring your own shovel.
Camas is also offering self-serve sandbags at the old Grass Valley Fire Station, 4010 N.W. Astor St.
Report downed trees to public works at 360-397-2446, and fallen power lines or trees into power lines to Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-8000.
