Series of powerful storms to slam Western Washington: Crews preparing for flooding, power outages

SEATTLE -- Strong wind, heavy rain and possibly flooding could impact Western Washington for the next several days.

Q13 meteorologist Rebecca Stevenson says the rain will move in Thursday. We're expecting three straight days of sustained winds of 20 mph with much stronger gusts. That paired with several inches of rain means an increased risk of downed trees, flooding and even power outages.

A barrage of storm force wind and rain Thursday through Tuesday will bring Seattleites to second guess their storm tolerance.  Prepare now and use today, it is the last dry day for at least 7 days.





Rain arrives to the Washington coast after 6 p.m. tonight. The early morning hours of Thursday rain will increase for all inland cities.

It will be heavy at times and continue at a steady pace practically all day.  Amounts of rain will be totaled from 1 to 2 inches for inland cities but the coastline will be closer to  4 inches or more.  This is only the first storm.



Strong wind will hit the central and south Washington coast Thursday morning with sustained wind of 20-30 mph building to 25-45 mph, gusts up to 65 mph by Thursday evening.

Powerful wind will also arrive around Puget Sound Thursday evening near or after 7 p.m. sustained at 15-35 mph and Gusts inland 45-55 mph.

Friday wind will ease slightly but maintain a windy, blustery afternoon with plenty of rain showers.


    Please check the forecast frequently, the weather system arriving Saturday contains remnant energy of Typhoon Songda.  Rain isn't a question with this storm, it is the location of the low pressure center that threatens destructive wind across western Washington.  Wind gusts could come at hurricane force and this is a delicate forecast coming together in the next 36 hours.

    Here's a breakdown of the storm day by day from Q13 meteorologist Rebecca Stevenson:

    Today will be dry with increasing clouds through the afternoon; a cold start will warm to low 60s making this “day-before-the-storm” perfect to prepare for wind and heavy rain.

    Tonight rain arrives on the coast around 5 p.m. Wind will build overnight tonight on the coast, gusts up to 65 mph will develop late and continue for the central and south coast through Thursday morning.

    Rain arrives to Puget Sound early Thursday morning and continues, heavy at times, through the day.  Rain totals will be 1 – 2 Inches for lowland cities as periods of rain continue through Friday.

    Wind increases for Puget Sound Thursday evening with the strongest wind expected overnight to early Friday morning. Estimated speeds for that time frame are sustained  South 20-35mph, gusts 55 mph.

    A Second Storm follows the heavy rain and wind of Thursday and Friday.

    A powerful storm Saturday afternoon and Saturday night is showing damaging potential for western Washington.  All marine interests need to monitor the forecast as wind gusts may be hurricane force with seas 20 to 35 feet.    Seattle and inland cities will also face a potentially destructive round of wind and rain; Saturday afternoon and night are being detailed in track, please monitor the forecast the next 2 days for all changes.



    The National Weather Service in Seattle has these tips for how to prepare before windstorms: