Strong Spring Storm To Bring Strong Winds, Heavy Rain, and Mountain Snow

Updates 10:20 AM Sunday: Wind Advisory upgraded to include gusts of 50 mph for Interior Lowlands, new wind forecast for Puyallup, new Eastern WA wind graphic, and new UW rain forecast added with new 24-hr totals of 0.3-0.5 inches

On Sunday, a strong spring storm will impact Western Washington. The main hazards will be strong winds, heavy rain, and heavy mountain snow.

This graphic from NWS Seattle shows what to expect.

A Wind Advisory has been issued for 12 PM-6 PM on Sunday for SW winds 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

The wind forecast for Puyallup is below. 

(Big numbers: sustained winds, small numbers: gusts, arrows: wind direction).

Forecast models agree on winds gusting 35-50 mph. Make sure to secure objects that could be blown around and be prepared for tree damage and isolated power outages.

Winds will surge through Eastern Washington as well, with gusts of 40-65 mph and blowing dust likely. This graphic below from NWS Spokane shows expected gusts on the eastern side of the state.

The winds are due to a strong cold front that will be moving through Washington on Sunday afternoon. This cold front will bring rain, heavy at times, on Sunday into early Monday morning. The expected rain totals through 5 AM Monday from the UW Model are below.

Expect 0.3-0.5 inches of rain on Sunday, with isolated higher totals.

Additionally, heavy mountain snow is expected on Sunday. This graphic from NWS Seattle shows how much accumulation to expect through Monday.

Snow levels will drop through the day on Sunday, dropping all the way to 500-1,000 feet by late Sunday night. A rain/snow mix is possible on higher hills as temperatures drop to the mid 30s behind the cold front.

There is also a chance of thunderstorms after the cold front (Sunday evening). Any heavy showers have could produce small hail, gusty winds, and potential lightning.

This cold front will have much colder air behind it. Take a look at the Puyallup forecast from Weather Underground.

Notice the chilly low temperatures from Sunday-Tuesday. Also...we will dry out with sunny weather all week, with highs up to 64 degrees on Thursday! Near freezing temperatures are possible on Monday and Tuesday mornings, so be prepared if you have plants. Rain returns by next weekend.