SEATTLE – A strong cold front is moving through the Northwest Thursday, bringing high winds and heavy rains to Western Washington and snow to the Cascades.
"Gusty winds have developed north of Everett this morning and will spread over the remainder of the interior later this morning and continuing this afternoon," said KING 5 Meteorologist Rich Marriott. "The cold front will move through early this evening followed by much cooler showery air and decreasing winds."
A wind advisory is in effect through Thursday night for the northern interior and Admiralty Inlet. Marriott says from Everett northward, winds will reach between 15-25 mph with 30-40 mph gusts. From Everett southward and areas along the coast, winds will reach around 10 mph.
Rain will be heavy off and on Thursday afternoon and evening, says Marriott. Flood watches are in effect for Whatcom and Mason counties.
Rainfall amounts from the storm are expected in the 3-5-inch range for the Olympics, 2-4 inches for the Cascades and about an inch in the interior lowlands south of Seattle.
Marriott said the Nooksack River in the Cascades could flood and the Skokomish River in the Olympics is expected to reach flood stage Friday.
"If flooding does occur, it will be minor," said Marriott.
Showers will be off and on through Thursday night. Friday night, Western Washington could see showers and some thunderstorms.
Marriott said snow levels will drop to about 2,500-3,000 feet Thursday night and Friday with 4-8” of snow possible in the Cascade passes.
Along the coast, Marriott expects very big waves with swells reaching 23-28 ft.
"Another front will give us a rainy and cool day on Saturday," said Marriott. "Sunday will be a break with a little sun and only a few showers. Next week looks wet off and on and cool."
