SEATTLE — A series of weather events are expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and mountain snow to western Washington, with impacts forecasted to last into the weekend, according to KING 5's First Alert Weather Team.
The first weather event is a cold front accompanied by a "strong" atmospheric river. This system brings a big surge of moisture into western Washington off the Pacific, creating the potential for heavy rainfall that could lead to isolated areas of flooding. The weather system is expected to continue bringing gusty winds and mountain snow to the region through at least Saturday.
Warnings and watches for high winds and flooding were issued across the region.
Snohomish County Public Utilities District listed 125,195 customers without power Friday night. Puget Sound Energy reported 97,193 customers without power. The Jefferson County Public Utilities District reported 17,762 customers without power. Seattle City Light reported 13,103 outages.
RELATED: Western Washington Forecast
This system will be followed by additional weather events that will bring colder air, stronger winds and the potential for snow to some lower elevations than the mountains.
KING 5 has activated First Alert for this weather event, which could affect lives, property or travel in the Pacific Northwest region. During this event, the First Alert Weather Team will bring you the latest information to keep you and your family safe.
Watches and warnings
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple watches and advisories across the region due to strong winds and heavy precipitation which will linger in the Puget Sound region into the weekend.
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Flood Warnings were issued for multiple western Washington rivers Friday morning. Below is a list of Flood Warnings that were in effect as of 11 a.m. Friday, according to the NWS:
- Skokomish River at Potlatch affecting Mason County
- Skykomish River near Gold Bar affecting Snohomish County
- Stillaguamish River at Arlington affecting Snohomish County
- Tolt River above Carnation affecting King County
- Snoqualmie River near Snoqualmie Falls affecting King County
- Snoqualmie near Carnation affecting King County
- Nisqually River near National affecting Pierce and Lewis counties
- Puyallup River near Orting affecting Pierce County
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A High Wind Warning is in effect until early Saturday morning for the Admiralty Inlet area and parts of Snohomish County. The NWS said winds of 30-40 mph were expected, with gusts up to 55-60 mph possible.
A Flood Watch is in effect for at least 11 counties in northwest and west central Washington through Saturday afternoon. The Flood Watch includes Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties.
The NWS also issued a Storm Warning for the Central U. S. waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca which will remain in effect until 5 a.m. Saturday. Strong winds could create hazardous seas, which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Timeline
Saturday
Overnight Friday, snow levels begin to drop back down in the mountains as colder air filters in. Snow levels will quickly fall to as low as 2,500 feet, allowing the passes to get more snow by Saturday morning. Several inches could fall for the passes.
As the colder air moves in, there will also be a decrease in coverage and intensity of precipitation from northwest to southeast throughout the night Friday into Saturday morning with only isolated to scattered lowland rain.
The exception is the convergence zone that will set up in parts of Snohomish and King counties. This convergence zone could lead to consistent rain in these areas with snow falling in the passes as the convergence zone drifts between Stevens and Snoqualmie passes.
The potential exists for moderate snow accumulations for these passes if the convergence zone lingers over a pass for any prolonged period of time. This could lead to tricky travel. Keep an eye on the passes if you plan on crossing over on Saturday.
Modeled radar Saturday morning
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Modeled radar Saturday afternoon
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Sunday
The next weather event arrives Sunday as a trough of low pressure over the Gulf of Alaska pivots another cold front into western Washington.
This will create another round of lowland rain and mountain snow, but the rain isn't expected to be as heavy as Friday.
Another round of heavy snow could fall in the mountains with snow levels near 2,000 feet, with another 6-12 inches of snow possible.
The foothills could see snow as snow levels drop as low as 1,000 feet overnight Sunday.
Monday and beyond
Cooler and gradually drier air will move into western Washington starting next week. There may be a mix of rain and snow showers with snow levels around 1,000 feet, but closer to sea level in Whatcom County.
Right now, it looks like there could be minor spotty accumulations of snow in Whatcom County and along the northern Olympic Peninsula due to outflow from the Fraser River Canyon.
The chance of showers should wrap up early on Tuesday with clearing skies, but cool dry air will remain for some sun and chilly temperatures with highs in the upper 30s to lower 40s, with mid 30s in Whatcom County. Overnight lows could fall into the 20s in many areas next week.
Rain forecast
As with all atmospheric rivers, a big focus of this event is the rain potential. Widespread moderate to, in some cases, heavy rain is expected to continue Friday.
A widespread 1.50-3.50 inches of rain is forecast, with some amounts approaching six inches in the mountains.
The interior lowlands will see the lightest amounts of around 1.50-2.50 inches - this includes the Puget Sound area. It should be noted that the Olympic rain shadow will lessen these amounts near Seattle, Everett and Tacoma, but these areas could still see an inch or slightly more.
Modeled rainfall accumulation forecast through early Saturday afternoon
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After recent rain, paired with this upcoming rain and high snow levels exceeding 7,000 feet, there's the potential for some minor areas of flooding. Small streams and urban areas are favored to see isolated, minor flooding.
The recent heavy rainfall leading to increased runoff with the incoming precipitation could cause rivers over the southeast Olympics and the central Cascades to approach flood stage along with some urban flooding near Interstate 5 from Seattle to Everett.
A Flood Watch is in effect for nearly a dozen counties through Saturday afternoon.
The flood risk should be mitigated by late this weekend into early next week as snow levels drop significantly and precipitation lightens in intensity.
Wind forecast
A High Wind Warning is in effect until early Saturday morning for the Admiralty Inlet area and parts of Snohomish County. The NWS said winds of 30-40 mph were expected, with gusts up to 55-60 mph possible.
Additional wind alerts may be necessary. The strong wind gusts are expected to begin to decrease over the weekend.
Wind gusts this strong could cause isolated power outages and some spotty tree damage. Make sure you have a plan in place in case you lose power.
Check current power outages
Seattle City Light outage map
Puget Sound Energy outage map
Snohomish PUD outage map
Tacoma Public Utilities outage map
Snow level forecast
The snow levels climb to 7,000 feet Friday afternoon before dipping back down to 2,000 feet Saturday and potentially down to 1,000 feet by Sunday night, meaning more accumulations are possible that could lead to travel concerns along I-90 and Highway 2 for people crossing over the mountains where several inches of new snow accumulations are expected.
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Check pass conditions