7 Critical Secrets To Navigating The NEW Snohomish PUD Outage Map And Storm Season Preparedness

Staying informed during a power outage is the top priority for residents and businesses across Snohomish County, and as of December 10, 2025, the primary tool for this is the significantly improved Snohomish County PUD Outage Map. This essential digital resource has been updated to provide customers with unprecedented transparency and detail, moving beyond simple red dots to offer specifics like the Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) and the precise cause of the outage.

This new, dynamic mapping system is more than just a convenience; it’s a critical component of storm preparedness and a direct line of communication between the utility and its nearly 380,000 electric customers. Understanding how to interpret the map’s symbols, access the detailed incident reports, and report your own outage effectively is key to minimizing disruption when the lights go out.

The New Snohomish PUD Outage Map: Features and Functions

The Snohomish County PUD (SnoPUD) recently rolled out a new version of its Outage Map, a significant upgrade that came just in time for the region's intense storm season. This enhanced map is designed to give customers a more granular, real-time view of the electric system's status, providing details that were previously unavailable or difficult to access.

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1. Real-Time Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR)

One of the most requested and valuable additions to the new map is the Estimated Time of Restoration, or ETR. When you click on a specific segmented outage area on the map, a detailed information box will appear. This box now prominently displays the ETR, giving affected customers a concrete timeline for when they can expect their power to be back on. This feature is crucial for planning, especially for those with medical needs or businesses relying on continuous power.

2. Zoom-Level Detail and Incident Specificity

The updated map allows users to zoom in much closer than before, in some cases down to the house or street level. This high-resolution view helps residents confirm that their specific location is part of a reported outage area. The map also displays specific incident tabs that show critical data points:

• Outage Start Time: When the initial report was logged.
• Cause of Outage: Common causes include high winds, tree contact, equipment failure, or a vehicle accident.
• Customers Affected: The exact number of homes and businesses without power in that specific incident area.

This level of detail is directly linked to SnoPUD's advanced Outage Management System (OMS), which helps field crews and dispatchers manage resources more efficiently, leading to faster restoration times overall.

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3. Understanding the Map’s Color Codes

The map uses color-coded icons or shaded areas to represent the severity and scope of the power loss. While the exact legend may change slightly, generally, larger, darker areas indicate a major outage affecting thousands of customers, while smaller, lighter icons represent more localized issues. Familiarizing yourself with this legend is the first step to quickly assessing your situation.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Report an Outage to Snohomish PUD

While the map is excellent for checking status, the PUD still relies on customers to report their outages, especially if your power is out but your neighbors' is not, or if you see a downed power line. Reporting an outage is fast and ensures your home is added to the official restoration queue.

Method 1: The Outage Hotline (Recommended for Emergencies)

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The most direct way to report a power loss or a dangerous situation is by calling the dedicated 24/7 Outage Hotline.

• Snohomish PUD Outage Phone Number: 425-783-1001.
• Safety Priority: If you see a fallen power line, call this number immediately. Assume all downed lines are live and dangerous, and stay at least 30 feet away.

Method 2: Online Reporting via the Map

The online map portal also includes an option to report an outage. This is a convenient method if you have internet access via a mobile device. You will typically need your account number or the phone number associated with your service address to complete the report.

Storm Season: Why Snohomish County Power Outages Happen

For Snohomish County PUD customers, power interruptions are an unfortunate reality, particularly during the late fall and winter months. The area's unique geography and weather patterns make it susceptible to specific types of electrical system damage. Understanding the root causes can help residents with their own storm preparedness plans.

Wind and Tree Contact: The Primary Culprits

A vast majority of significant power outages in the Snohomish PUD service area are directly attributable to weather events, primarily high winds and the resulting tree-related damage. The region's dense forests and mature trees, combined with gusty winds, frequently lead to branches or entire trees falling onto power lines and other critical infrastructure.

• High Winds: Gusts can cause power lines to sway and come into contact with each other, or with nearby vegetation, triggering a fault. Recent events have seen thousands of customers in areas like Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace lose power due to strong winds.
• Snow and Ice: Heavy snow or ice accumulation can weigh down branches and power lines, causing them to break. This is a common factor in major winter storm outages.

Snohomish PUD's Reliability Efforts

Snohomish PUD is continually investing in its electric system reliability. This includes rigorous vegetation management programs to trim or remove hazardous trees near power lines and upgrading older equipment. The introduction of the new Outage Management System (OMS) and the improved map are part of a broader strategy to not only prevent outages but also to respond to and restore power faster when an event occurs. The PUD no longer excludes outages during major storm events from its reliability reporting, reflecting a commitment to full transparency.

Essential Snohomish PUD Outage Safety and Preparedness Tips

While the PUD works to restore power, personal safety and preparedness are paramount. Here are essential tips for every Snohomish County resident.

• Assume Downed Lines are Live: This cannot be stressed enough. Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed power line and call 425-783-1001 immediately.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep flashlights, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food, water, and any necessary medications easily accessible.
• Keep Freezers and Refrigerators Closed: Food can stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer if the door remains closed.
• Use Generators Safely: Never run a generator inside your home, garage, or near windows. Generators produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
• Unplug Sensitive Electronics: Power surges can occur when electricity is restored. Unplug computers, TVs, and other sensitive electronics to protect them from damage.

By leveraging the new, information-rich Snohomish PUD Outage Map and maintaining a proactive approach to storm preparedness, residents can navigate power interruptions with greater confidence and safety. The map serves as the most current source of truth for restoration efforts, making it an indispensable tool for everyone in the service area.