Wenatchee Faces Severe Weather Impact: Power Outages and Closed Roads
In Chelan County, the aftermath of severe winds and rainfall has left around 11,000 households without power as of Thursday morning. The conditions created hazardous travel circumstances across western Chelan County, marked by swollen waterways and significant road closures.
Stevens and Blewett Passes over the Cascades were closed early in the day due to safety concerns. The Wenatchee River, with a measurement of 15.25 feet as of 8:15 a.m., is nearing its major flood stage, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Chelan County Emergency Management agency has cautioned residents to remain vigilant in areas near rising creeks and rivers. As part of the response efforts, a Red Cross emergency shelter is set to be established in Cashmere later in the afternoon.
Emergency responders were dispatched for two separate water rescues involving homes that had become surrounded by rising waters. These incidents occurred on Cedar Brae Road near Lake Wenatchee and off East Leavenworth Road. The occupants of both homes were unable to leave safely due to the flooding.
In a related incident, a 65-year-old motorist from Wenatchee sustained minor injuries when a tree limb crashed through his windshield while driving on Highway 207 near Coles Corner. The limb was reportedly dislodged by turbulent waters from Nason Creek, which runs adjacent to the road. The driver received medical treatment at Cascade Medical Center in Leavenworth.
Despite the cascading disaster, emergency officials have indicated that no evacuation notices have been issued and there have been no serious injuries or fatalities directly linked to the flooding. However, the Washington State Patrol reported multiple incidents related to the severe weather. High winds, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph, combined with previous rainfall, caused numerous downed trees and power lines, leading to over 14,000 customers experiencing outages at the peak, particularly affecting the area between Cashmere and Leavenworth.
As power was gradually restored throughout the morning, approximately 10,946 residents remained affected, with the Chelan County Public Utility District estimating full restoration by 6 p.m. Outages were also reported on the south shore of Lake Chelan and the remote village of Stehekin.
Enhanced public safety measures have been urged, with officials advising residents to refrain from traveling until conditions improve. Various roadways have been rendered impassable due to debris and fallen trees, prompting the Chelan County Public Works to close East Leavenworth Road at the bridge near the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. White River Road and Little Wenatchee River Road have also been closed as safety precautions against rising water levels.
In a precautionary measure, the Cascade School District has canceled classes and events for its 1,262 students across Leavenworth and surrounding communities. Additionally, public access to the Wenatchee River Ranger District within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has been suspended until further notice. Residents are encouraged to remain informed and ready to respond as the weather situation continues to evolve.
