SATURDAY WINDSTORM
Bothell, Washington

Saturday August 29, 2015
It was a sunny day - blue skies and gale force winds. The winds began in earnest during the late morning. I don't remember any as sustained or as strong as these. The power went out about noon, and when things calmed down a bit in a couple of hours, Tim and I went outside to see what was what.
 
   
 
The back of our apartment faces west and abuts the woods. Apart from branches, leaves and twigs it was not too bad in this area.
 
   
 
On the east side, more damage was evident.
  
 
   
 
Luckily the tree was barely touching the parked car.
 
 
   
 

This falling tree hadn't done too much damage either.
 

 
   
 
There was a pile of debris at the apartment complex entry way. Because of accidents and fallen trees the traffic was bumper to bumper everywhere, including on the Bothell Everett Highway.
 
 
   
 
The walking trail around the complex was covered with debris, branches and a downed tree or two.
 
 
   
 
Lynwood is the next city west of us - here is a picture taken there.
 
 
   
 
When a gale blows trees covered with leaves, the leaves act as a sail.
 
 
   
 
Stanwood is north and west of Bothell. The winds were bad there too.
 
 
   
 
Trees and powerlines came down everywhere.
 
 
   
 
Our electricity was off for 18 hours. Here is our dinner: cold baked beans, crackers with cheese and hummus, veggies and Caprese Salad.
 
 
   
 

Tim went out for coffee early the next morning and took this picture just up the street. 
 

 
   
 
Meanwhile, over at the North Creek Trail and Duckpond there had been many blow-downs.
  
 
   
 
Debris was piled high on both sides of the trail.
 
 
   
 
Fences had been wiped out in several areas too.
 
My heart fell as I saw that another victim of this sudden, awful windstorm was The Eagle Tree. Overlooking the pond at a reasonable distance, this old Cottonwood had been the perfect perch for Bald Eagles, especially during Spring and Summer.

We consider ourselves fortunate to have had no damage, and no food loss as our electricity was restored just in time. Some folks were without power for a week!

I hope I don't see another storm like that any time soon!