Severe Winds and Heavy Rain Hit Western Washington

News Summary

Western Washington is experiencing a potent storm characterized by strong winds and heavy rain. Residents are advised to prepare for gusts up to 70 mph and potential power outages as conditions worsen. The National Weather Service has issued several warnings including a High Wind Warning and flood watches, emphasizing safety and alertness as travel conditions become dangerous. The storm is expected to continue into Tuesday morning, but calmer weather is on the horizon for Wednesday.

Severe Winds and Heavy Rain Impact Western Washington

It seems like Mother Nature has decided to unleash quite the storm upon western Washington. As Monday morning kicked off, the region was greeted with a mix of rain and strong winds, setting the stage for a relatively wild weather event. The rain kicked off in the south Sound, making its way north and reaching areas like Everett and Whidbey Island by the afternoon.

What’s Going On?

The storm we’re experiencing is no ordinary rain shower. This weather event is driven by a strong low-pressure system that is stirring up some serious winds. If you’re in the Seattle area, be prepared for gusts ranging from a windy 50 to 60 mph starting Monday night and lasting into the early hours of Tuesday morning. If you’re along the Pacific Coast, hang on tight, as that’s where wind gusts are expected to hit their highest levels.

As this storm continues to brew, some areas might end up with an extra one to two inches of rain, making the potential for flooding a real concern. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the wind, advising people to remain alert for possible power outages and tree damage. In fact, lightning and thunder were reported at Seattle Center Monday evening, adding a little drama to the weather scene.

Widespread Power Outages

That storm didn’t waste any time making its presence felt! Following the storm’s onset, over 5,680 customers lost power in the Fremont area of Seattle. Just a few hours later, by 11:11 p.m., that number skyrocketed to a staggering 17,100 customers without electricity across western Washington. Wind gusts reached a hair-raising nearly 70 mph near Hoquiam and Aberdeen!

Weather Woes Across the Region

It wasn’t just the power outages that have folks scrambling. The Seattle Fire Department had to respond to a fallen tree blocking a vehicle, requiring a rescue operation for two children and an adult inside. There were also reports of downed trees on Northeast 45th Street and East Green Lake Drive, which resulted in some tricky travel conditions.

Warnings in Effect

A High Wind Warning is currently in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday, impacting areas like Seattle, Tacoma, Bremerton, and Olympia. Expect sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts potentially hitting 65 mph. This makes for some dangerous travel conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles on the road.

Further along the coast, cities such as Neah Bay, Ozette, and Aberdeen are also facing the same high winds, which could spike up to 70 mph. Plus, be aware of the High Surf Advisory, which warns that waves could reach 15 to 25 feet.

Mountain Forecasts and Flood Warnings

For those heading to the mountains, a Winter Storm Warning is active, predicting up to 12 to 18 inches of snow above 4,000 feet in the Cascades. You might want to rethink your plans if snow isn’t your cup of tea! Down at lower elevations, keep an eye on the Skokomish River at Potlatch, which is currently under a flood warning due to expectations of moderate flooding.

What to Expect Moving Forward

As we move into Tuesday morning, get ready for very windy conditions with some lingering showers. Thankfully, the winds are expected to taper off by the afternoon and evening, offering some much-needed relief. The good news? Temperatures on Wednesday could soar to a pleasant 60 degrees or higher, providing a lovely calm day after this stormy chaos.

Stay safe out there, charge your devices, and let’s hope for a swift return to calm skies!

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