First of three storms dumps rain on Western Washington; high wind warning tonight



SEATTLE -- The first of three storms headed for the Pacific Northwest arrived overnight bringing soaking rains. Forecasters say high winds will be added to the equation starting Thursday night.

Thursday will be wet for everyone, with over an inch for the metro area, Q13 Meteorologist Walter Kelley says. The heaviest rain will start at about 4 p.m. Thursday, which is likely to bring standing water on the roads. The mountains will get over 4 inches of rain and that will make area rivers run high and fast. The Skokomish should flood by Friday morning.

The winds will be strongest at the coastal beaches, with gusts over 60 mph, Kelley says. The Seattle metro area will get gusts of about 40 mph from 9 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday.






    We saw our first power outage in Bellingham where about 3,000 customers lost power early Thursday. The Bellingham airport had 20 mph sustained winds with gusts near 40 mph.

    Around 7 a.m., about 4,700 customers in the Olympia/Lacey area lost power, according to Puget Sound Energy.

    Remember to be prepared, not scared and have an emergency kit ready in the event of a power outage.



    Here's a day-by-day breakdown from Q13 Meteorologist Rebecca Stevenson:

    Rain today, heavy at times;  by tonight rain totals will be 1 to 2 inches for inland cities and towns, 3 to 7 inches in the mountains, 2 to 3 inches rain on the coast.  Wind will be breezy and gusty today with building strength tonight, A High Wind Warning is in effect for all of western Washington through Friday morning.   At 6 a.m. Flood Watch Whatcom, Snohomish, Mason Counties, Flood Warning Skokomish river.

    Today: Steady rain, highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. Breezy at times.

    Tonight: Rain at times, Increasing wind by 11 p.m., sustained 25-40mph, gusts 45 to 55mph.  Strongest wind expected through 2 a.m., Warning in effect until 7 a.m. Friday for first storm.



    Friday: Rain showers, locally heavy, breezy with gusts to 40mph, highs upper 50s.

    Saturday: Heavy rain and strong wind, this new storm has remnants of Typhoon Songda and demands us to monitor the forecast all the way to Saturday morning.  Time of greatest impact is Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning.  High rain amounts again and stronger wind than Thursday are expected.

    Sunday: SEAHAWKS!  In time for kickoff expect rain showers and breezy wind.  Dress warm for the wind and water resistant, rain showers will come and go with highs in the mid 50s.