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Drip, drippin' away: Six soaker storms steer Seattle's way


Satellite image shows first of many incoming storms to the Pacific Northwest on Jan. 21, 2020 (NOAA Photo)
Satellite image shows first of many incoming storms to the Pacific Northwest on Jan. 21, 2020 (NOAA Photo)
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SEATTLE -- A storm that rolled through Western Washington brought some periods of heavy rains to the Puget Sound area -- and even some thunderstorms along the coast that prompted rare Tornado Warnings.

Grays Harbor County had been under a tornado warning but it was cancelled. Residents in Neilton and Quinault were under a tornado warning until 5:45 p.m. An earlier warning that included residents in Aberdeen and Hoquiam was allowed to expire at 5:15 p.m. Residents in those areas were urged to take cover.

While the rest of the week's weather isn't expected to be that intense, it is expected to be quite soggy, bringing some concerns for river flooding.

The forecast charts suggest Tuesday's fireworks were the first of at least six separate weather systems are on track to cross the Pacific Ocean and blow through the Pacific Northwest -- just through Saturday alone. That's obviously a pace of about one a day as a strong jet stream takes aim.

The evidence of the first one was already out the window Tuesday morning as steady rains drenched the commute. The rain is expected to turn more showery in the afternoon, though there is a risk of heavier showers with even a few rumbles of thunder -- especially on the coast -- as the air mass briefly destabilizes in this storm's wake.

This storm is still cool enough to bring heavy snow to the mountains and its passes. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Northern Cascades through 4 a.m. Wednesday for up to 1-2 feet of snow in the Mt. Baker ski area. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the same period for the Central Cascades -- this includes Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass -- for 6-18 inches above 3,000 feet.

The subsequent systems are expected to be a little milder, bringing temperatures into the 50s in the lowlands and raising snow levels above pass level Wednesday through Saturday. That will put pressure on the area's rivers, with a Flood Watch already in effect much of Western Washington.

The good news is none of these storms look particularly windy with the main storm centers making landfall well to our north in British Columbia. There will be periods of breezy weather as each storm's front swings through but speeds are not expected to reach damaging levels, generally staying under 40 mph.

Forecast charts suggest that by the time we get to Saturday, Seattle will have received about 2.5-3.0 inches of total rain for the week. By then, I'd expect Seattle will have had rain n 24 out of the 25 days of the month.

Next week's forecast? Long range models suggest continued wet weather.

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