When is the bomb cyclone storm arriving in Washington?
Seattle weather: 'Bomb cyclone' to move offshore of WA
The forecast headlines include strong winds, widespread rain, and heavy mountain snow in the Cascades starting Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday.
SEATTLE - A potent storm system called a "bomb cyclone" will trigger powerfully windy weather for communities east of Seattle by Tuesday evening. This storm will also create rare blizzard conditions for the Cascade passes tonight.
(FOX 13 Seattle)
Western Washington was slammed by an atmospheric river last week, which is again a factor tonight, but there is a marked difference between an atmospheric river and a bomb cyclone.
Watch FOX 13 Seattle for the latest news
A high wind warning is in effect from 2 p.m. Tuesday to 4 a.m. Wednesday for the coast and eastern Snohomish, King and Pierce counties. East to southeast, gusts could reach 55 to 65 mph with sustained winds of 25 to 40 mph. The strongest winds will be along the coast and near the Cascade foothills.
Powerful winds are forecast east and west of Seattle on Tuesday night. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Winds will peak between 5 and 10 p.m. tonight, with the potential to cause power outages. Gusts will gradually ease throughout Wednesday morning. It may take time for the power to come back on, so keep that in mind.
A High Wind Warning is posted for Eastern Snohomish County Tuesday night. (FOX 13 Seattle)
A High Wind Warning is posted for Eastern King County Tuesday evening. (FOX 13 Seattle)
A wind advisory is in effect from 2 p.m. Tuesday to 4 a.m. Wednesday elsewhere in Puget Sound where moderately strong winds are likely. Southeast winds in places like Everett, Bellingham, Olympia and Seattle could reach 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph.
A High Wind Warning is in effect for Eastern Pierce County Tuesday evening. (FOX 13 Seattle)
While winds won't be devastating for all communities, there will likely be power outages and downed trees. FOX 13 Seattle suggests avoiding driving around the region on Tuesday evening if you're able. Roads may be closed overnight where trees get knocked down. Also, make sure to keep your phone charged.
A rare blizzard warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 10 a.m. Wednesday for the Washington Cascades at and above 2,500 feet in elevation. There could be snow accumulations between 4 and 12 inches with locally higher amounts over the highest peaks.
A rare Blizzard Warning is posted for the Washington Cascades Tuesday night. (FOX 13 Seattle)
This is only the sixth blizzard warning issued for the Washington Cascades by the National Weather Service office in Seattle in the last 40 years. In order to warrant an official blizzard warning, conditions need to meet the following criteria:
- Winds in excess of 35 mph.
- Visibility drops to less than a quarter of a mile out.
- Weather event lasts for at least 3 hours.
Unfortunately, FOX 13 Seattle is predicting all of the above and more. FOX 13 Seattle strongly encourages you to avoid traveling over the passes Tuesday evening.
Along with wind, there will also be moderate to heavy rain racing through Western Washington Tuesday evening. High surf conditions are forecast along the coast.
Keep it here with the FOX 13 weather team. We'll be watching the latest for you closely.
Take good care,
Meteorologist Abby Acone and Chief Meteorologist Brian MacMillan
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