The New Year will start with a bang, as a strong storm will bring heavy rain, strong winds, high surf, potential flooding, and mountain snow to Western Washington.
The year has already been interesting, with a front bringing 0.2-0.8 inches of rain and winds gusting 20-35 mph on New Year’s Day. That was just an appetizer for Saturday’s big storm.
First, the rain. The UW forecast for rain from 4 AM Friday through 4 AM Sunday is below.
Some of this rain (0.3-0.7”) has already fallen. Expect an additional 1-3 inches of rain in the Puget Sound area through Sunday morning.
This amount of rain will bring a higher chance of urban and small stream flooding on Saturday, especially in the afternoon and evening. Rises are likely on area rivers as well. Due to this, a Flood Watch has been issued through Sunday night. It is posted below.
Be careful as this rain will also bring an increased threat of landslides.
Now for the wind. The storm will bring strong winds to Western Washington, including in the Puget Sound Lowlands.
A Wind Advisory has been issued for the lowlands from 10 AM-7 PM Saturday. The alert is posted below.
Winds will be sustained 20-30 mph, with gusts of 40-50 mph in the Puget Sound area. Even stronger winds, with gusts of 55-75 mph, will occur on the WA & OR Coasts.
In the Puget Sound area, winds will increase in the morning, peak in the afternoon, and subside through Sunday morning.
Below is the 4-model blend of wind forecasts for Puyallup on Saturday. (Big numbers are sustained winds...small numbers are gusts).
Expect gusts of 40-50 mph across the region, peaking in the afternoon. These winds will produce some tree damage and scattered power outages. Be prepared!
Additionally, there will be heavy mountain snow (above 5,000 ft.) and large & dangerous waves at the coast.
It’s a full-on storm! Be prepared & stay safe!
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