PORT ANGELES — Officials say to prepare as the first of two strong Pacific storm systems is expected to approach the North Olympic Peninsula this evening.
The Olympic Mountains will shadow most of the North Olympic Peninsula from the worst of the storms, but those in the west and east ends should prepare for the potential for high winds and power outages Thursday, said Ted Buehner, National Weather Service meteorologist.
On the coast, winds could be “knocking at the door 40-60 mph, maybe stronger,” he said, though NWS doesn’t yet have definitive numbers.
The storm systems will likely begin to affect the area today, but will hit Thursday.
Models show the potential for a deep surface low tracking northeast onto the north Washington coast late Thursday and Thursday night, followed by a second weaker low during the day Friday.
This creates the potential for strong winds, especially along the coast and in the north interior.
The exact timing, location and strength of significant winds will depend on the track and strength of the surface low, which is not certain at this time, Buehner said.
A second, potentially stronger Pacific storm system is expected to affect the region Saturday and Sunday.
Models continue to show a very deep surface low tracking into the area that might bring heavier precipitation and even stronger winds than Thursday’s system.
In addition to rainfall and winds, this system could also bring seas greater than 30 feet to the coastal waters of Washington and the potential for significant coastal flooding.
Buehner said the storm has the potential to cause the state Department of Transportation to close the Hood Canal Bridge to traffic.
“The Hood Canal Bridge will probably be fine, but that’s something to be aware of,” he said. “It has the potential to [close the bridge], especially on Saturday.”
There will be strong swells on the coast building into the weekend.
High seas are possible, up to 20 to 25 feet Thursday night into Friday morning, and even higher Saturday and Sunday with seas 30 feet or higher.
High seas, combined with other storm effects and tides might produce storm surge flooding along coastal areas.
While significant rainfall is expected in the Olympic Mountains, Buehner said flooding will more than likely happen south of the mountains.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
