Seattle residents should brace themselves for a wet Christmas and potential coastal flooding today. The forecast for the Seattle area includes a persistent theme: showers and mostly cloudy skies, with temperatures hovering in the low 40s, according to the National Weather Service.
With a 50 percent chance of showers slated for Christmas Day, anyone planning to head out may want to pack an umbrella or a waterproof jacket. The city is expected to experience a high near 44 degrees, accompanied by a north wind at 6 to 8 mph. The weather pattern doesn’t plan to shift much tonight either, as the chance of showers remains steady, and the mercury is anticipated to stick around 42 degrees, according to the NWS Seattle forecast.
Adding to the list of concerns, a Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for the City of Seattle and the lowlands of Pierce and Southern King Counties. The advisory, which runs from 7 AM to 1 PM PST today, warns of "minor coastal flooding expected" and "Inundation of around 2 to 2.5 feet above ground level is possible along shorelines and low-lying coastal areas," as the advisory states. Commuters and waterfront visitors should heed caution, especially during the hours surrounding the morning high tide.
The advisory underscores potential impacts such as flooding of parking lots, parks, and roads, along with the possibility of isolated road closures. The NWS urges locals to take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. For those who must travel, challenges may arise as some roads could be closed. The public is advised not to drive through waters of unknown depth or around barricades.
Looking ahead, the chance of showers is expected to continue through the week in Seattle, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasts call for mostly cloudy skies and daytime highs in the mid to upper 40s. Conditions may improve slightly on Saturday, when rain chances drop to around 30 percent, and limited sunshine is possible.
