Winter Storm To Hit Our Area Thursday to Friday

winter-storm-watchAnother storm system is expected to affect the region beginning today through Friday – resulting in multiple weather hazards and associated impacts.  This includes a mix of winter precipitation and wind.

The National Weather Services has advised us to be prepared for:

  • Thursday morning temperatures will dip again into the 20’s while high temperatures will only rise into the mid to upper 30’s. The relatively dry air will also help the atmosphere cool further with when precipitation begins to fall.
  • The most probable scenario at this time is that the precipitation will begin as snow this afternoon/early evening, then transition back to rain sometime late tonight into Friday morning.
  • As of right now, the most probable snow impacts are:
    • Thursday afternoon into evening and Friday morning transition back to rain
  • This storm system will also bring strong easterly winds to parts of Western Washington today into Friday. Sustained winds are expected to be 20-30 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph in areas. Power outages are possible.

Please be cautious when traveling today into tomorrow morning, there may be snow and ice on roadways due to low temperatures.

Are you ready? Take these three steps to “Be Ready”:

  • Create an emergency preparedness kit with at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your home and office. Kits prepared for vehicle road travel and winter weather evacuation go-kits are also advised.
  • Make a plan and practice the plan with your family and those who depend on you.
  • Stay informed and know the weather approaching so you are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

Additional storm information and resources:

  • For sheltering needs, please contact the Red Cross at 206-323-2345
  • For updated weather information, follow the National Weather Service in Seattle’s Twitter account, @NWSSeattle or www.weather.gov/seattle.
  • King County and the City of Maple Valley urges residents to register for regional public alerts at www.kingcounty.gov/ALERTkingcounty