A compact area of low pressure passed over the northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula during the evening hours of January 12 into the early morning hours of Wednesday January 13, producing a very strong pressure gradient as pressure quickly began to rise on its backside. This led to a short period of strong winds, some of which on the backside of the low was channeled and enhanced by topography.
By daybreak on the 13th, as the wind began to subside, over 550,000 power outages were reported across the area.

High Wind in SEATTLE AND VICINITY, WASHINGTON
From 12-JAN-21 22:00:00 to 13-JAN-21 05:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Reported by: ASOS

Areas around the Seattle metro reported wind gusts ranging from 40-60 mph beginning during the late evening hours and through the early morning hours of the 13th. SeaTac reported a wind gust of 58 mph, with Federal Way reporting 61 mph, both shortly after midnight. The Seattle Tacoma Airport reported a wind gust of 49 mph, with other locations reporting wind gusts of 52 mph (Bellevue), 46 mph (Renton Airport), 54 mph (Des Moines).
Multiple roads in Seattle were closed due to downed powerlines during the early morning hours.

High Wind in TACOMA AREA, WASHINGTON
From 12-JAN-21 21:00:00 to 13-JAN-21 05:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 100.00K
Reported by: Unknown

Areas around Tacoma reported wind gusts of 40-60 mph beginning during the late evening hours on the 12th and continuing through the early morning hours of the 13th. Ft Lewis and JBLM reported gusts of 58 mph, with other reports of 56 mph (Tacoma), 58 mph (Greenwater).
In South Tacoma, a tree came down on a home and demolished it, trapping one of the occupants (occupant was rescued and unharmed).
The North Meridian Bridge closed in both directions for a period of time due to a tree hitting the bridge and causing damage to the bridge.

High Wind in WESTERN WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
From 12-JAN-21 22:00:00 to 13-JAN-21 05:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 63.00 EG
Reported by: Unknown

Strong winds affected Western Whatcom County, beginning during the late evening hours of the 12th and continuing through the early morning hours of the 13th. Sandy Pt Shores reported a wind gust of 72 mph and Ferndale reported a gust of 70 mph. Other reports included: 65 mph (Birch Bay), 52 mph (Lynden), 49 mph (Bellingham), 45 mph (Chuckanut Village).

High Wind in OLYMPICS, WASHINGTON
From 12-JAN-21 22:00:00 to 13-JAN-21 04:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Unknown

A wind gust of 58 mph was reported near Toms Creek in Clallam County shortly after 3am. Winds began to pick up across Clallam County during the late evening hours on the 12th and continued into the early morning hours of the 13th. Other wind gust reports around the county ranged from 40 mph to 55 mph. Owl Mountain reported a wind gust of 58 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL COAST, WASHINGTON
From 12-JAN-21 22:00:00 to 13-JAN-21 05:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Reported by: Unknown

Wind gusts of around 60 mph were reported across Grays Harbor County beginning during the late evening hours of the 12th and continuing through the early morning hours of the 13th. Humptullips reported a gust of 62 mph, with the Hoquiam airport reporting a gust of 58 mph and Ocean shores at 59 mph.

High Wind in ADMIRALTY INLET AREA, WASHINGTON
From 12-JAN-21 21:00:00 to 13-JAN-21 05:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Reported by: ASOS

The Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island reported a wind gust of 64 mph shortly after midnight on January 13. Other locations in the vicinity, including Camano Island and Camano City reported gusts of 58 mph and 44 mph, respectively.
A semi truck on SR 20 driving over the Deception Pass Bridge lost control in high winds and was partially hanging over the edge of the bridge, blocking all traffic over the bridge for several hours.

High Wind in EASTERN STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA, WASHINGTON
From 12-JAN-21 22:00:00 to 13-JAN-21 08:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 700.00K
Reported by: Coast Guard

After strong winds affected the area beginning during the late evening hours of 12th and through the early morning hours of the 13th, the USCG reported and responded to multiple vessels impacted by high winds around Anacortes, Washington. A pier sunk, and several boats were pulled loose from moorings, with one floating adrift.