Grays Harbor County Emergency Management reported on Monday they are anticipating active weather to continue this week.
A Wind Advisory goes into effect Tuesday at 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. Wednesday for the coast, and the cities of Hoquiam and Aberdeen. The strongest winds are expected along the coast of Grays Harbor County, including the cities of Westport, Ocean Shores and Taholah.
Wind and rain will continue throughout the week with rivers currently anticipated to remain just below Action stages.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, a high wind watch is also in effect from Tuesday afternoon through late Tuesday night for beaches and headlands.
Expect south winds 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 65 miles per hour possible for beaches and headlands, South Washington and North and the Central Oregon Coast.
Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds.
A High Wind Watch for the coastal headlands and beaches means a hazardous high wind event is possible in areas along the immediate coast. Many of the headland areas and beaches are vulnerable to very strong wind gusts that may pose a safety hazard for individuals or high profile vehicles.
The strong winds may also cause property damage. Consider sleeping in a location that is furthest away from large trees and power lines. Be aware of your surroundings and where you are relative to nearby trees and powerlines.
Prepare for potential power outages. If you have a gas-powered generator, ensure you have enough fuel. Ensure you have batteries, flashlights, and a way to maintain a safe body temperature if you were to lose heating and cooling.
Winter solstice
Winter solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year — arrives Saturday, meaning daylight will linger longer after this weekend.
But we have a dark and rainy week before we get there.
Western Washington residents should expect rain daily through Sunday, with the only chance of respite on Thursday or Friday.
The week’s heaviest showers coming from an atmospheric river are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, with up to 1.5 inches of rain and 23 miles per hour wind gusts possible.
Much of the Puget Sound area will see an inch or two of rain, and the mountain and coastal regions could see up to 8 inches of precipitation. Strong gusts greater than 45 miles per hour could arrive, especially along the coast as well as north of Everett around the water.
Temperatures should peak in the mid-50s and not drop below 40 degrees this week, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy rain could cause some rivers in Western Washington, including the Skokomish River, to flood. Smaller streams could also overflow after heavy rain on Tuesday night and into early Wednesday, forecasters said.
College students driving home this week for their winter holiday breaks should take care navigating the Cascade passes, especially Stevens and Snoqualmie. Snowfall is expected to accumulate there Tuesday, possibly followed by freezing rain. Forecasters urged travelers to monitor the weather forecast on Tuesday before hitting the road.
— The Seattle Times contributed to this report.
