The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the entire region, due to an impressive “Bomb Cyclone” off the coast, effective from 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 through 4 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.

Residents are advised to batten down the hatches for east to southeast winds ranging from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph.

The advisory warns that gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects like patio furniture, bring down tree limbs, and potentially cause localized power outages.

The strongest winds are expected Tuesday evening into early Wednesday morning.

Meteorologists noted that significant impacts may occur even at lower-than-usual wind speeds due to the atypical easterly wind direction.

Residents are urged to secure outdoor items and exercise caution while driving, particularly if operating high-profile vehicles. The National Weather Service advises using extra care in areas prone to wind-related hazards.

“An anomalously strong surface low will continue to intensify offshore on Tuesday, bringing significant weather to western Washington,” forecasters said.

The term “bomb cyclone” may sound dramatic, but it originates from the meteorological term “bombogenesis.” This phenomenon refers to a rapidly intensifying storm system that strengthens significantly by dropping at least 24 millibars in atmospheric pressure within a 24-hour period.

The following impacts are listed below:

  • STRONG WINDS: Intense pressure gradients will cause strong east winds to develop Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. Areas along the Pacific Coast and along the Cascade Foothills will see gusts up to 65 mph. Areas elsewhere will see gusts up to 50 mph. Most area waters are favored to see Storm Force winds. The strongest winds will occur Tuesday evening into the early morning hours Wednesday. Significant impacts may occur at lower-than-usual wind speeds due to the atypical easterly wind direction.
  • BLIZZARD CONDITIONS: Strong winds in combination with moderate mountain snow will impact travel through the Cascade Passes, where gusty winds will likely cause periods of whiteout conditions. The strongest impacts will occur Tuesday evening through early Wednesday morning when east winds will be strongest.

A King Tide Too!

Oh, and did we mention that there will also be a King Tide during this weather event?

  • Tuesday, Nov. 19: 8:16 a.m. • +12.4

So if you’ve got waterfront property, consider starting your morning early with a sturdy pole to help clear those big pieces of driftwood that will surely be slamming into your bulkhead.

For updates and further information, visit the National Weather Service website.

Video

Below is a video forecast from local @SeattleWXGuy Michael Snyder:

Below is the Wind Advisory:

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Seattle WA
1241 PM PST Mon Nov 18 2024

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TUESDAY TO 4 AM PST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...East to southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50
  mph expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northwest and west central Washington.

* WHEN...From 2 PM Tuesday to 4 AM PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree
  limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strongest winds will occur Tuesday evening
  into early Wednesday morning. Significant impacts may occur at
  lower-than-usual wind speeds due to the atypical easterly wind
  direction.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicles. Secure outdoor objects.

Secure outdoor objects.

Here’s the 7-day forecast:

  • Monday Night: Rain, mainly before 11pm. Low around 37. South wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. 
  • Tuesday: Rain likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. East wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. 
  • Tuesday Night: Rain. Low around 41. Breezy, with a southeast wind 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. 
  • Wednesday: Rain. High near 51. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. 
  • Wednesday Night: Rain likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. 
  • Thursday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
  • Thursday Night: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 44.
  • Friday: Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 52.
  • Friday Night: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 43.
  • Saturday: Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 47.
  • Saturday Night: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 41.
  • Sunday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.
  • Sunday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.
  • Monday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.