SEATTLE — Western Washington is bracing for strong, widespread thunderstorms from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night. The storms could bring unusually large hail—potentially bigger than a quarter—along with bursts of damaging wind or even an isolated tornado.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of western Washington, effective until 9 p.m. Wednesday. The watch covers King, Pierce, Lewis, and Thurston counties.
The storm system is expected to hit the Oregon-Washington border around 5 p.m. Wednesday. A fragmented line of thunderstorms will likely develop, first sweeping through the Chehalis Valley and into Long Beach around 6 p.m.
The storms are forecast to intensify as they move into the Aberdeen-Olympia area between 6 and 8 p.m. From there, they’re expected to reach Tacoma, Seattle, and Forks between 6 and 9 p.m. By 10 to 11 p.m., the system should push north over the San Juan Islands and Bellingham, though it may weaken slightly by then.
A severe thunderstorm watch indicates that “conditions are ripe for hazardous weather,” according to the NWS. A warning, on the other hand, means a severe thunderstorm is “occurring or imminent.” If warnings are issued, NWS spokesperson O’Donnell advises seeking shelter in the innermost part of a building—preferably a basement—and staying away from windows.
The Storm Prediction Center notes this is the first severe thunderstorm watch for Seattle and King County since June 1999. Pierce, Lewis, and Thurston counties last saw one in May 2017.
Seattle Public Schools canceled all Wednesday evening events due to the expected dangerous weather. “For everyone’s safety, all school buildings will close at 5 p.m. This includes the Board Community Engagement session at Rainier Beach High School scheduled for 5:30 p.m.,” the district announced on Facebook. “Sports practices and after-school activities should wrap up early to give families time to safely pick up students.”
At Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the 62nd Airlift Wing is taking precautions ahead of the storms. Several C-17 Globemaster III aircraft are being prepped for evacuation “out of an abundance of caution” to protect them and personnel from potential damage.
While the storm brings multiple risks, the NWS identifies large hail as the “primary hazard.” If you’re driving when hail starts falling, stay in your vehicle, slow down, or pull over to a safe spot. The NWS recommends parking in a garage if possible to shield your car from damage. The Bellevue Police Department suggests using public garages like those at Eastgate or South Bellevue park-and-ride lots. If indoor parking isn’t an option, blankets, car covers, floor mats, or towels can help protect your windshield or hood.
The NWS reported “some lightning strikes” from storm cells moving north from the south into King County around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday.
Rain will also hit the mountains Wednesday, reaching elevations as high as 8,500 feet. Cooler air will lower snow levels to 4,500 feet by Thursday and 3,500 feet by Saturday. Lowland cities will feel the chill too, with temperatures dropping to the 50s on Thursday and Friday, accompanied by gusty showers. The rain should ease by Saturday morning, setting the stage for a calmer, drier weekend.