Severe Weather Alert: Rain and Wind Hit Puget Sound Region

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Puget Sound region is bracing for a series of wet and windy weather systems this weekend, with rain totals of 1 to 3 inches and wind advisories in effect. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that a significant atmospheric river is targeting the Pacific Northwest, bringing increased moisture from the Pacific Ocean.

As of Saturday, the NWS recorded a peak gust of 60 mph in Tacoma. The wind advisory remains active until 11 a.m. Sunday, covering most of western Washington. KING 5 has activated its First Alert system for this weather event, emphasizing the need for safety due to possible impacts on travel, property, and lives.

The band of moisture is set to generate substantial rainfall across the region, particularly along the coast where totals could exceed 3 inches. Winds are expected to gust up to 40 mph in coastal areas and 20 to 30 mph throughout Puget Sound, especially near Whidbey Island and north of Everett.

Meteorologist Rich Marriott from KING 5 described the event as typical of fall storms but warned of potential power outages. Falling leaves could block drains, contributing to localized flooding. Saturday afternoon and evening are predicted to bring the heaviest rain and gusty winds.

Wind gusts exceeding 40 mph are anticipated during Saturday evening. A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect from 11 p.m. Saturday to 11 p.m. Sunday, predicting total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches in the Cascades above 3,500 feet, with up to 14 inches forecasted on Mount Rainier.

Travelers are urged to check conditions before heading over mountain passes this weekend, as difficult travel is expected due to snow and rain. As of 8:00 p.m. Saturday, Puget Sound Energy reported 65,000 customers without power due to the storms and over 350 active outages. Meanwhile, wind gusts in nearby Roy approached 45 mph, leading to incidents where individuals were trapped under fallen trees, sustaining injuries.