Asked and Answered What was that noise on 220th St SW and 84th Ave W Saturday morning?

A resident's concern over a loud noise from power lines led to a 911 call on Saturday morning at the intersection of 220th Street Southwest and 84th Avenue West. Snohomish County Public Utility District (SnoPUD) dispatched crews to investigate and confirmed they were replacing aging transmission insulators. According to Aaron Swaney, SnoPUD’s Public Information Officer, older porcelain insulators can emit static sounds, especially in humid conditions. Maintenance of these insulators is vital, as failures can result in short circuits, causing blackouts or fires. The swift action of the local resident helped ensure neighborhood safety.

Citizens are encouraged to report unusual power line noises to aid in utility maintenance. Insulators serve to isolate energized conductors from poles or crossarms, preventing electrical hazards. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance in maintaining public safety regarding electrical infrastructure.