WeatherWatcher: another storm on the way Monday

The past 3 days, until Sunday morning, we have been having unusually warm and humid weather. The warm and humid weather was generated by the remains of typhoons. The mini-windstorm we had Sunday was also generated by the remains of the typhoons originating from the western Pacific. On Monday the remains of a new typhoon, Typhoon Roke, will be blowing through, generating rains and more wind.

Today's winds for late fall and winter standards were only really breezy conditions, which is why a high wind watch or warning was never issued. National Weather Service of Seattle did however issue an advisory later in the day. The strongest wind gust today recorded at the Home Education Exchange (formerly known as North City Elementary) Station was 36mph.

Roads were covered with tree debris from the winds
Photo by Diane Hettrick

Winds peaked at about 1pm and slowly diminished through the remainder of the day. Power outages were only so extensive because it is unusual to receive moderate winds this early in the fall. All of the trees still have their summer foliage, acting as wind sails. As a result many trees that normally no longer have leaves on them were damaged, and lost limbs to the wind.

A new storm is on the way Monday. It is the remnants of Typhoon Roke and will strike at about noon time. We will see a surge of rain, followed by more winds. The strength of the winds will depend on how close the center of the storm passes by Washington state.

National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the Puget Sound Lowlands Monday from 8AM PTD - 8PM PTD. This includes the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park area. Winds will increase southwest to about 25-35MPH, with gusts up to 55MPH. Winds are expected to peak in the early afternoon. Trees weakened by today's storm may fall during tomorrows winds with more local power outages possible.

A wind advisory is issued when sustained winds of 30-39mph or gusts of 45-57mph are likely. Winds this strong can snap small tree branches, topple small or shallow rooted trees, and cause local power outages.