Thousands of Puget Sound Energy customers are without power due to the “third and strongest” storm of the month, which hit the region Sunday afternoon, according to PSE.

More than 4,000 customers in Bellevue, more than 1,600 in Sammamish, nearly 500 on Mercer Island and another 250 throughout Issaquah are without power as of 5:30 p.m., according to PSE’s outage map.

In all, about 177,481 customers throughout the region are without power. The outages are system-wide and began in the southern portion of PSE’s service area, moving north, according to a press release.

“Safety is our top priority,” according to the release. “Crews will respond as long as conditions allow. High winds will slow and possibly stop response and restoration efforts.”

There is a high wind warning in effect until 11 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Wind speeds between 30-45 miles per hour are expected.

To report an outage to PSE, call 1-888-225-5773.

Call 911 to report a downed power line. Do not touch or go near the downed line.

PSE warns that the storm has also heavily saturated the soils and weakened tree branches; downed trees have closed some roadways throughout the region.

For the latest on power outages, follow @PSETalk on Twitter or visit the PSE Facebook page.

For updates on highway closures or accidents, follow @wsdot_traffic on Twitter.