SPOKANE, Wash. -- The wind storm knocked power out at various gas stations across Spokane, funneling drivers to the remaining open stations.
The demand for open stations has created long lines and gas shortages.
"We tried to get gas across the street yesterday and it was just backed up, you couldn't even get in the parking lot but we did okay," said driver Ed Leifer.
Not only were gas stations individually out of power, but main terminals were also down. Those terminals are responsible for supplying gas to several other stations.
Tuesday's wind storm downed at least 375 trees across the city. Avista estimated 180,000 people were without power at the height of outages. Officials with the company said they have made improvements, but by Thursday night 100,000 people were still in the dark.
Avista's CEO explained restoration is largely determined by the storm damage. They prioritize schools, nursing homes, hospitals and care facilities, but areas with extensive damage are more difficult for crews to handle. Those areas also must be more thoroughly checked to make sure all power lines are up off the ground before power is restored.
Crews said they are working as fast as possible. But just like everyone else, gas stations with power outages must wait their turn.
Gas station distributors said they have been working to restock stations that are open, to fill demand until all stations are back up and running.
"I just was driving by and I thought thank God this is open, I'm going to get gas," said Lisa Steckler.
Many said they were using the gas for generators.
"About a gallon an hour," said Leifer. "Or we wouldn't have electricity."
