Storm closes in on Western Washington
Oct 17, 2017, 7:40 AM | Updated: 5:32 pm
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Wet weather and wind are moving in over Western Washington this week.
The National Weather Service warns people should be on the watch for falling trees. After an extremely dry summer, many trees could be stressed. This means that sudden wet and windy conditions can easily topple some trees, according the service.
A High Wind Watch was issued for Wednesday, with strong sustained winds and stronger gusts expected throughout the day. The National Weather Service in Seattle has already recorded strong gusts in areas along the Cascades: 98 mph at Camp Muir, 80 mph at Crystal Mountain, 73 mph at White Pass. Gusts of 35-45 mph were reported in some areas of Snohomish County, knocking out power to about 1,100 customers.
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) October 18, 2017
Southeast and south winds will increase Wednesday morning and could persist into the evening, according to the Weather Service. Sustained wind speeds could reach up to 35 mph in some areas. Gusts could be as strong as 50 mph. Winds are expected to peak in the afternoon.
A Wind Advisory is currently in effect for northern sections of Western Washington, including Everett, Whidbey Island, Anacortes, the San Juan Islands, and Bellingham. Some areas of the Olympic Peninsula could be impacted as well, including Port Townsend.
Plume of moisture stretches from China
A composite image from NASA shows tropical moisture from southeastern China making its way to the coast of British Columbia.
(NASA via National Weather Service)
“A plume of moisture that was stretching from China to British Columbia … we could see that on water vapor imagery,” National Weather Service Meteorologist Johnny Berg said.
It’s this front that will throw us into several days of stormy weather, according to the National Weather Service.
Several inches of rain could fall in the interior lowlands between Tuesday and Thursday, according to KIRO 7 Meteorologist Nick Allard.
The Cascades could see up to 5 inches of rain, while up to 7 inches of rain could fall in the Olympics.
The National Weather Service warns that flooding, including urban flooding, is possible late Tuesday through Thursday. City officials recommend clearing leaves and other debris from storm drains.
