Courtesy image National Weather Service
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A windstorm so strong is expected tomorrow that forecasters say widespread power outages and downed trees are likely.
Some damage to buildings is even possible as the strongest winds sweep through much of Western Washington late tomorrow afternoon into the early evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather service reminds the public that falling trees and limbs can cause serious injury or death.
Southeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are possible, with even stronger winds to follow, forecasters indicated today.
A winter storm warning for snow in the Cascade Mountains of Lewis and Pierce counties has been issued for the 24-hour period starting at noon tomorrow, with amounts that will make travel dangerous, according to the NWS.
Eight to 18 inches of snow will fall through tomorrow morning, with another 1 to 2-feet dropping through noon Monday.
The snow level will be around 4,000 feet today, then remain between 2,000 and 3,000 feet through Monday.
The NWS advises that motorists only travel through the mountains if it is an emergency, and be sure to carry a flashlight, food and water just in case.
The wind warning issued today focuses on the areas surrounding Everett, Seattle, Bellevue, Bremerton, Tacoma, Hood Canal, the Southwest Interior and the Lower Chehalis Valley.
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Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter