WASHINGTON, USA — Forecasts are calling for damaging winds in western Washington this week, particularly along the coast and in the Cascade foothills.
According to KING 5's Rich Marriott, a bomb cyclone forming off the coast is pulling wind out of eastern Washington and down across the Cascades. Winds will be strongest below the passes, impacting places like North Bend, Gold Bar and Enumclaw. Terrain may channel these winds as far out into the lowland as Mapple Valley, Sea-Tac and parts of Tacoma and Bellevue.
Conditions will also be dangerous off the coast, where very cold air out of the Gulf of Alaska will collide with warm, subtropical air. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Storm Warning for much of the waters off the Washington coast from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 10 a.m. Wednesday. Dangerous conditions are possible for sailors, including 22-foot to 27-foot waves.
"Very strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility," the NWS forecast reads. Sailors are advised to remain in port, alter their course, or secure their vessels for severe conditions.
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A High Wind Watch will also go into effect Tuesday along the coast, Western Strait of Juan de Fuca, the east Puget Sound lowlands and the Bellevue area. Wind speeds are expected to be 25 to 40 miles per hour with gusts up to 65 mph, according to NWS.
Winds have the potential to blow down trees and powerlines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
High winds will also impact other areas around the Puget Sound region but are not expected to be as damaging. The watch will go into effect on Tuesday evening through late Tuesday night.
Widespread rain is expected during the day on Tuesday, continuing into the night. Snow levels will remain low enough to impact the mountain passes, meaning there could be a few inches of accumulation.
There is a Flood Watch in effect for one area of Mason County which will take effect on Tuesday night and remain through Wednesday afternoon. A portion of the Skokomish River, which is already running high, could be pushed above flood-stage. Anyone living in flood-prone areas should be prepared for impacts.