Weather
A 'Parade Of Storms' Is About To Begin In Washington
Meteorologists expect several wet and windy systems will move through Western Washington this week and into the next. It all starts tonight.
SEATTLE, WA — The National Weather Service is predicting a "parade of storms" will bring wind, rain, and even lightning to the region starting Tuesday and carrying on into next week. NWS says the first, milder system moves inland Tuesday afternoon, becoming fairly breezy in most areas overnight. Wind gusts in Seattle will be in the 10-15 mph range, with some points north gusting near 30 mph. Tacoma and neighboring cities will likely see gusts in the 15-20 mph range.
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, the forecast had remained largely on-track, with meteorologists noting some early light rainfall in Whidbey Island and Bellingham. NWS says the Seattle metro will likely see slight rain beginning over the evening commute and winds will start to pick up after midnight.
Rain is on the way, & no matter how long it decides to stay, be sure to: #SlowDown for conditions Be seen - turn on your headlights ...add following distance... #DriveDistractionFree Be patient & #StayAlert Let’s work together so we all can all be safe. #YourWSP pic.twitter.com/uW6RfhDBX5
— Trooper Chelsea Hodgson (@wspd8pio) October 15, 2019
Meteorologists project Wednesday will have the highest winds, as another wet system brings gusty conditions to the northern interior and communities along Puget Sound. Gusts in Seattle could hit 35 mph in the afternoon, with Tacoma gusts hitting 30 mph and Everett gusts reaching 25 mph. In parts of Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties there is a chance gusts will pass 45 mph. Winds should begin to calm Wednesday evening.
Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
*Wind Advisory North Interior for Wednesday from 8AM to 5PM* N Interior: south 20-35 MPH gusts 45 MPH. Rest of W WA: south 15-30 MPH gusts 40 MPH. Downed weak trees/small branches, local power outages, high profile vehicles affected, & increased leaf clutter. #WAwx pic.twitter.com/HAoGOwqY2j
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) October 15, 2019
Forecasters are confident Wednesday's storm will bring localized power outages and downed branches in most areas, but they do not expect large-scale impacts. River levels will rise during the week, especially in the Skokomish, but flooding is not anticipated.
NWS says several more systems will roll through Thursday, Friday, and into the weekend, but those are not expected to be as breezy. Along the coast, the surf could reach 20 feet by Thursday as wind gusts hit 40 mph. Friday could see a few thunderstorms and snow levels dropping down to mountain pass elevations. Forecasters will release an updated outlook as the "parade" travels through the region and conditions develop in the week ahead.
Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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