Strong winds are rising and wind gusts that will produce damage and possibly significant tree damage will occur through Thursday morning.
The central and south coasts will continue to get very strong winds of 50-60 mph or stronger but around Puget Sound, winds of 40-55 mph in peak gusts are likely with the strongest winds for the Seattle to Tacoma corridor coming between 7-10 a.m.
There is an outside chance of even stronger winds in isolated locations. Winds of this magnitude can cause tree damage and power outages.
Farther north in Puget Sound, winds won’t likely be quite as strong in peak gusts, but we could still see gusts over 40 mph.
In addition, a burst of westerly wind down the Strait later this morning will cause 50-60 mph wind gusts around Whidbey Island for a brief time.
Winds will settle down slowly after midday Thursday. Make sure to keep devices charged in case power is lost.
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.
AVALANCHE WARNING:
The Northwest Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning for the West North, West Central, West South, Mt Hood, Snoqualmie Pass, and Stevens Pass zones, noting that Thursday is a day to avoid traveling in all avalanche terrain, including lower angle or flat areas beneath large, steep slopes.
Check the forecast at nwac.us for additional details.
‼️12/25/2024 - 12/26/2024 Avalanche Warning ‼️ An avalanche warning has been issued for the West North, West Central,...
Posted by Northwest Avalanche Center on Wednesday, December 25, 2024
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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