Thanks to CHS readers for the pictures from the clean-up

Last week’s “severe thunderstorm” forecast turned into a spectacular — and rare — lightning show over Seattle but Sunday’s winds did the real damage on Capitol Hill.

As gusts approached 40 MPH Sunday night, a massive American Elm toppled at 18th and Howell around 6:45 PM taking a utility pole and associated lines with it and smashing a few cars parked below.

There were no reported injuries but Seattle Police and Seattle Fire were called to the scene to help in the aftermath.

“This is a big tree,” reported one officer over East Precinct radio.

Seattle City Light was also called out to check its system in the area and a reported downed electrical line. A small power outage remained limited to the area as residents at the nearby Union Gospel Mission recovery program house were directed to remain inside until the area was made safe.

The giant tree on the northeast corner of 18th and Howell was reported with a 31-inch diameter trunk as of the summer of 2017 according to the city’s street tree inventory. American Elm trees can grow in diameter anywhere from between 0.5 to 2 inches per year.

While the loss of this big fellow is a sad change for the neighborhood after a noisy night of chainsawing to open the street, there are lots of big elms in the area including a majestic example of the species at 11th and John that is included in Seattle’s roster of Heritage Trees.

The windy night also left Capitol Hill’s most popular collection of blossoming cherry trees on 21st Ave E in relatively good shape. CHS reported on Seattle’s wealth of blooming cherry trees here.

A calm — and warm — week is ahead. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-60s for the weekend.

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