Rain, gusty winds and heavy mountain snow forecast for western Washington through Thursday
SEATTLE — A storm is brining heavy rain and gusty winds to the lowlands as well as fresh mountain snow in western Washington. The weather pattern is expected to continue through Thursday.
KOMO News Meteorologist Kristin Clark said the warmer storm moving through the region will send a surge of mild Pacific air over Puget Sound to temporarily end any remaining threat of lowland snow as snow levels rise to around 4,500 feet Wednesday. Instead, a soaking rain will unfold from the coast to the Cascade foothills, bringing over an inch or two of rain to the lowlands.
Clark said some creeks and streams will become swollen due to the heavy rainfall, with some rivers - especially the Skokomish River - seeing a sharp yet brief rise into flood stage by early Thursday. A flood watch is in effect for portions of northwest and west central Washington through Thursday afternoon
The storm is also expected to bring strong winds to the region, with gusts up to 45 mph possible on Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) said the strongest winds were expected along the coast and through the Puget Sound/Hood Canal areas and the surrounding lowlands. A wind advisory is in effect until Wednesday night.
While rain and gusty winds are expected in the lowlands, heavy snow is forecast in the mountains and through the Cascade passes. A winter storm warning is in effect for the Cascades from Whatcom to Lewis counties until Thursday evening, including Stevens and Snoqualmie passes.
The NWS said heavy snow was expected above 1,000 feet with additional accumulations between 2-4 feet possible by Thursday night.
Clark said Snoqualmie Pass is expected to see more of a rain/snow mix on Wednesday as snow levels rise. However, the heavy, wet snow and gusty winds elsewhere will create dangerous avalanche conditions from Stevens Pass to the Mount Baker Ski Area.
The Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) issued an avalanche warning on Wednesday for the west slopes of the Cascades “north, central and Stevens Pass zones.”
The NWAC said the avalanche danger was “high” across all of the Washington Cascades on Wednesday, adding that “travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.”
Drivers traveling across the Cascade passes should plan for the possibility of “very difficult” travel.
Clark said snow levels are expected to quickly fall to around 1,500 feet Thursday in the wake of the storm. Snow levels will be low enough to give the Cascade foothills some slushy snow early Thursday. This reinforcing shot of cold in the wake of the departing storm will introduce the chance of more icy showers at sea level.
Once again, sunbreaks will be interrupted by heavy showers of wet snow and soft hail, and some may even hear a rogue rumble of thunder Thursday afternoon.
A late-season chill settles in as we flip the calendar to March, setting the stage for a rain/snow mix of showers Friday through the weekend, but Clark said little to no snow accumulation to show for it across the lowlands.
Cool weather lingers through next week to solidify the deep mountain snowpack, which by then, will be replenished back to normal levels.