Wind Update (8 AM)

I would like to show you the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service's most capable short term forecasting tool:  the High Resolution Rapid Refresh System (HRRR), which makes a new forecast EVERY HOUR using the latest observations.  I will present the gust forecasts every two or three hours for the forecasts initialized at 6 AM (the graphics are from the Seattle WINDWATCH system my department built for Seattle City Light).

10 AM: 30-40 mph gusts over most areas, but stronger over water and particularly the coast.

 1 PM:  near the peak over Puget Sound.  40-50 mph gusts in places, with 50-60 over water and over land near Shelton.  And near the coast.

 3 PM.   Winds have weakened dramatically over Puget Sound but strengthening over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  We are getting famous STRAIT WESTERLY WIND SURGE.  Northern Whidbey sill be hit hard as will the coast.

 5 PM  Crazy strong winds in the Strait and along the coast.  Strong wind will spread into northern Puget Sound (it will be insane in Mukileto).  The kind of situation that destroyed the Ivar's Mukilteo Restaurant in 2002.   If you hurry, you might be able to get a reservation for dinner there tonight.

7 PM:  Still strong winds in the Strait. Event is over for the rest of Puget Sound

Let't take a look at the latest UW WRF high-resolution forecast (started at 4 AM) of sustained winds (not gusts) near the time of strongest winds (noon). Around 25 knots (approximately 28 mph) around Seattle.  Gusts would be 30-50 mph over land.

This event is the strongest one we had so far this year, but not in the range of the big named storms.  But surely tens of thousands of folks will lose power.  Keep away from trees as best you can (I am not biking along the wooded Burke Gilman trail this AM for example).  Some ferry runs will be cancelled, you can bet on that.  As of 8:30 AM there are no wind related power outages in Seattle.

Be ready to move quickly if you eat at this restaurant tonight (Ivar's Mukilteo Landing Restaurant)