SEATTLE, Dec 16: The worst windstorm in more than a decade tore through the north-western US, leaving over 1.5 million homes and businesses without power and killing at least six people.

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire declared a state of emergency, and with temperatures expected to drop over the weekend, officials warned residents struggling to stay warm not to use outdoor grills, propane heaters or other carbon monoxide-producing equipment indoors.

Winds gusted to a record 111 kph early on Friday at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, breaking the old mark of 105 kph set in 1993. Winds were clocked at 182 kphnear Mount Rainier.

Power was knocked out at one of the airport’s concourses, cancelling dozens of flights. Flights were also cancelled at Portland International Airport in Oregon, and Amtrak cancelled service between Seattle and Portland after downed trees and mudslides blocked the tracks.

Two people were killed in Washington in traffic accidents involving windblown trees, while one died after getting trapped in her basement by rising floodwaters. A fourth person was killed while he slept when the top of a tree snapped off and crashed into his home.

On the Oregon coast, an elderly couple died in a house fire caused by candles they were using during a power outage.

Puget Sound Energy, Washington’s largest private utility, had 625,000 customers without power on Friday night.—AP