Puget Sound Energy in Bellevue, Washington, is closely monitoring the National Weather Service forecast of heavy rains and high winds, and is prepared to respond to power outages that may result from the storm front that is expected to reach the Puget Sound region Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. The utility is also getting ready to respond to natural gas system requirements as a result of flooding or landslides.

“Our damage-assessment and line-repair crews are on alert with additional resources available to promptly determine the extent of damage and restore our customers’ power as quickly as possible,” said Sue McLain, senior vice president of Operations for PSE. “We are also preparing to respond to potential impacts on our natural gas system from any flooding or landslides caused by the heavy rains.”

More than 300 PSE utility workers – 150 electric and 150 natural gas responders – are equipped and ready to be in position to address possible power outages and washouts exposing natural gas lines.

“As the remaining Pacific storm front reaches closer to land and we get a better idea of their precise route, in advance of the storm, we may move additional crews into areas that appear likely to be directly affected,” McLain added.