Winds up to 100 mph in the Hanukkah Eve storm

The article focuses on the Hanukkah Eve Wind Storm that struck Western Washington in 2006, characterized by wind gusts up to 100 mph. The storm caused extensive damage, uprooting thousands of trees and resulting in power outages for over 1. 8 million residents, with damages estimated in the hundreds of millions. It notably destroyed around 70% of Puget Sound Energy's infrastructure, complicating power restoration efforts. In total, 15 fatalities occurred, with four directly from the storm and eleven due to carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe heating practices during power outages.

With the anniversary of this significant event approaching, the article reflects on its historical importance and its influence on storm preparedness in the region. It also draws parallels to recent severe weather events, including a bomb cyclone affecting approximately 660,000 residents, emphasizing the need for residents to be weather-aware and prepared for future storms.