Union-Bulletin

WALLA WALLA -- Two large power failures struck sections of Walla Walla this morning as a windstorm blew through the area.

More windy weather is in store as a cold front moves into the region.

The first blackout was reported at 4:54 a.m. and affected 1,971 customers, said Jan Mitchell, Pacific Power spokeswoman. Power was restored at 6:40 a.m.

The cause was listed as a tree knocking down a power line connected to the utility's Mill Creek Substation, Mitchell said.

The second power failure happened at 5:03 a.m. and affected 1,540 customers. Power was partially restored to about 600 homes and businesses at 6:32 a.m. and fully restored at 6:44 a.m. today, she said.

The failure happened in the area of the utility's Prospect Point Substation, but crews patrolling the power lines found no apparent cause, Mitchell said.

Ann Adams, assistant meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pendleton, said a fast-moving squall moved through the area starting shortly before 5 a.m., and several lightning strikes reported around 5:30.

The winds went from about 14 mph to sustained speeds of 36 mph with one gust of 58 mph reported at Walla Walla Regional Airport.

According to posts from local residents on Facebook, a "fast-moving" black cloud was seen moving over the area at 5 a.m. Along with gusty winds, the disturbance also brought brief, but intense, rain showers.