- Up-to-the-minute weather updates
- Gusts of 54 and 55 mph were recorded in Hoquiam and Oak Harbor, respectively
- Eastbound I-90 closed at Snoqualmie; chains required for westbound drivers
- 132 lightning strikes recorded along the Washington coast down through Oregon
- National Weather Service confirms a tornado touched down in Battle Ground.
SEATTLE – Heavy rain moved through the Puget Sound midday Thursday, while strong winds and lightning were recorded throughout Western Washington. The active weather was due to a strong storm front pushing through the region.
Meteorologist Mary Lee said 132 lightning strikes were recorded along the Washington coast down through Oregon, while wind gusts in Hoquiam and Oak Harbor, Washington, reached 54 and 55 mph, respectively.
In the mountains, eastbound Interstate 90 closed to traffic due to poor driving conditions around midday. Chains were required for westbound drivers.
More rain is expected throughout the day and strong winds will add to the flooding and landslides that Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a state of emergency. In addition, isolated thundershowers are possible in the afternoon.
Flood warnings remain in effect on multiple rivers along with coastal flood warnings. People in several communities find themselves wading through flood waters with the real possibility that Thursday's forecast will make it worse. Deputies in Lewis County had to rescue residents from their homes. High wind warnings have also been issued for parts of the state.
Related: Check weather alerts
Many roads remain closed due to flooding and mudslides. Northbound Interstate 5 near Dike Road in Woodland, just north of Vancouver, is closed due to a mud and rock slide.
US 2 near Leavenworth reopened just before noon Thursday following a slide, but US 12 at White Pass remains closed and likely will be for some time. Issaquah-Hobart Road SE was closed between SE Mirrormont Boulevard and Tiger Mountain Road SE due to power lines over the road. The closure could continue until 8 p.m.
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Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency Wednesday due to the storms. The proclamation includes storms going back to last week. It can be used to activate the Washington National Guard, if needed, and as an initial step to request federal resources, should they become necessary.
Related: Latest forecast
KING 5 Meteorologist Jim Guy expects moderate to heavy rain showers in spots tonight, with a slight chance of thundershowers, especially in the Olympic Peninsula and along the coast.
We'll see decreasing rain showers overnight. The wind will also begin to ease.
A chance for few showers in the early hours of Friday, but by 8 a.m. it will be mainly dry from Bellingham to Seattle. South of Seattle, the wet weather will continue during the day Friday.
"The best chance for the wet weather during the day tomorrow is going to be from Seattle southward. North of Seattle, I would not be surprised to see a few sunbreaks."
But by Saturday, expect another round of rain and wind as the next storm rolls in.
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