Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds and Mountain Snow Wednesday Night

SEATTLE, WA — A strong weather system is poised to soak Western Washington beginning Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Friday. According to the National Weather Service, double-digit wind gusts and heavy mountain snow are expected Wednesday night.

A Winter Storm Watch was issued in the Cascades, where Stevens Pass could pick up 12 to 18 inches of new snow between Wednesday and Thursday night, and White Pass may see up to two feet of accumulation. Snow levels will stay between 3,500 and 4,500 feet until late Thursday. Snoqualmie Pass could pick up 3 to 4 inches of snow early Friday.

NWS Seattle forecasters said winds will be strongest Wednesday night. Maximum gusts are projected to hit 35 mph in Seattle, and 30 mph in Tacoma, Everett, and North Bend. Temperatures in the lowlands will stay on the warmer side Wednesday, with afternoon highs ranging from the high 40s to low 50s.

Rain will continue Thursday, with a chance for thunderstorms along the coast in the afternoon. Forecasters expect Friday will continue the wet streak before conditions begin to taper off in the late afternoon.

Before this latest round of weather, the NWS said Seattle's yearly precipitation total was at its lowest point in 19 years.