A small yet stout area of low pressure is developing and will move northeast across the north Olympic Peninsula into Thursday morning.
The wind field around this feature will kick up high winds at the coast and north on the order of 50-65 mph in gusts from the wee hours of Thursday morning through about 10 a.m.
The central and south coasts where we could see those strongest winds are of particular concern.
A High Wind Warning is now in effect from late tonight through Thursday morning for these windiest locations.
For all of Puget Sound, including the metro corridor all the way south through Lewis County, a Wind Advisory has been issued through Thursday morning.
Southwesterly winds will rise after midnight, peaking from 4 a.m. - 10 a.m. Thursday.
Wind gusts of 30-40 mph will be common in the lowlands with gusts over 50 mph likely near the water in areas exposed to southwesterly winds.
There is an outside chance of even stronger winds in isolated locations.
Winds of this magnitude can cause tree damage and power outages.
Make sure to keep devices charged in case power is lost.
Winds will settle down slowly after midday Thursday.
In the mountains, snow is falling heavily into Thursday morning.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Cascades and Olympics until Thursday night.
Snow is piling up at the passes and at Snoqualmie Pass, we can expect storm total accumulations of 8-14″ with a little freezing rain mixed in at times tomorrow.
At higher elevations, including Stevens Pass, I expect one to two feet of snow.
Mount Baker and some of the southwest-facing high elevation slopes could get up to three feet of snow by Thursday night.
Pass travel is discouraged, and further closures will likely take place on Thursday.
FRIDAY AND BEYOND:
Friday will be rainy once again, and our landslide risk will continue to increase as soils become more and more saturated.
The best chance of rain and mountain snow on Friday will be early in the day, possibly tapering late.
Expect some showers over Saturday with more rain on Sunday.
Some drier times are likely Monday and Tuesday with more lowland rain and mountain snow looking probable for New Year’s Day.
Widespread Wind Advisories & High Wind Warnings are in effect tonight through Thursday morning. Gusts are forecast to peak around 60 MPH for the coast & Admiralty Inlet northward. Gusts of 45 to 55 MPH are expected for Puget Sound. Localized stronger wind gusts possible. #wawx https://t.co/ZYVosC6Wwh pic.twitter.com/tgZLzRQoGw
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) December 26, 2024
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