First storm of the fall arrives in the Puget Sound region
Sep 22, 2020, 5:25 PM | Updated: Sep 23, 2020, 5:03 pm
(KIRO Radio, Tracy Taylor)
(KIRO Radio, Tracy Taylor)
The first storm of the fall-winter season is bringing with it at least an inch of rain and strong wind to the Puget Sound region.
As of 12pm Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Seattle reported a rain total of: Seattle – .36 inch, Everett – .24 inch, Olympia – .54 inch, Fort Lewis – .47, Bellingham – .12 inch, and Issaquah – .37 inch.
405 PM Radar Update | Steady rain will continue through the evening commute. W WA will continue to see widespread showers tonight, and could even see a few isolated thunderstorms for portions of the Olympic Peninsula & for areas N. of Everett. #wawx pic.twitter.com/wgyRg9UOig
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) September 23, 2020
KIRO 7 meteorologists say water vapor is condensing into clouds and causing heavy rainfall as the atmospheric river moves in from the southwest and hits the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.
While rivers remain low, KIRO 7 meteorologists say the Skokomish River in Mason County could approach flood stage during this system.
The rain is expected to last through Friday, which means some areas could see 2-3 inches of rain in total. It’s likely that storm drains and gutters will overflow. Urban flooding is possible.
Strong winds
Along with substantial moisture, the system will produce “gusty winds.”
The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Wind Advisory for the coast on Wednesday when winds could hit 50 mph. Wind gusts could reach 35-45 mph from Everett through the San Juan Islands. The rest of the region could see gusts from 25-35 mph.
While wind gusts can be much stronger across Western Washington, the first storm for the season can produce power outages because of tree damage as many trees have yet to lose their leaves. The extra resistance can put stress on and snap branches.
There have already been reports of minor power outages around the region. Check the outage maps below for more information.
Seattle City Light outage map
Puget Sound Energy outages
Snohomish County PUD
Tacoma Power
Aside from the coast and north, wind gusts will mainly be in the 15-30 mph range today. Some isolated high points and spots on or near open water could have gusts a little higher. #wawx #wawind https://t.co/PS8lA3KJ7u
— Morgan Palmer (@MorganKIRO7) September 23, 2020
Forecasters say weather is expected to settle down over the weekend. Showers may stick around, but there is a chance for periods of sunshine.
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