Seattle rolled out of bed under gray skies Thursday, with temperatures parked in the low to mid 40s and steady rain aimed at the afternoon commute. Roads will be wet, commutes will be splashy and southwesterly winds will kick up at times, so count on a soggy day and slower travel across the metro area.
Steady Rain And Gusty Southwesterlies
Showers this morning are expected to turn into more persistent rain through the afternoon, with highs near 44°F before temperatures slide later in the day. Southwest winds are forecast around 9–15 mph with gusts up to roughly 25 mph, and most spots can plan on a few tenths of an inch of rain. According to the National Weather Service, precipitation chances are very high across the lowlands.
Mountain Passes And Travel Alerts
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Cascades through early Saturday, and heavy mountain snow will continue to make travel over Snoqualmie and Stevens passes difficult at times. This update follows our March 10 coverage, see our earlier storm breakdown for background on mountain impacts and earlier travel guidance. If you must travel, expect chain or traction-device requirements and check conditions before you go.
Rivers To Watch And Marine Conditions
The Skokomish River rose above flood stage overnight and is expected to crest Thursday morning before beginning to fall, but additional rain through Friday keeps the threat of localized flooding in the Skokomish and parts of the Chehalis basin. Out on the water, gale warnings have been scaled back in spots but Small Craft Advisories remain for portions of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with seas projected to fall from about 12–14 ft this morning to near 8–10 ft by the afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, hydrologists are keeping a close eye on Mason County rivers where runoff from the Olympics can push levels up quickly.
How To Prepare
Give yourself extra time on wet roads, avoid driving through standing water and secure loose outdoor items during gusts. Check WSDOT for the latest mountain-pass restrictions and expect ferry schedules to be affected during the busiest wind periods. We will update this post if watches or warnings change.
