NORTH SOUND — Historically, November is usually the wettest month of the year. After a dry start to the month, this month is well on its way to retain its soggy reputation.
This weekend will involve likely the wettest storm of the fall season thus far. The storm is gearing up hundreds of miles off the coast and expected to arrive Saturday night.
What makes this Pacific weather system stronger, wetter, and more unique is it has characteristics of an atmospheric river. The primary source of its moisture is coming from former typhoon Cempaka that recently moved northeast into the western North Pacific and has become embedded into this North Pacific weather system.
Weekend Weather
This weather system’s rain is expected to reach the coast Saturday afternoon and spread inland to the North Sound by Saturday evening. By Sunday morning, it will have moved across the Cascades and into Eastern Washington.
The rain on Saturday night is forecast to be the wettest amount delivered thus far this fall season. Along the coast, up to 2 inches of rain is expected. In the Olympics and Cascades, this system is anticipated to dump up to 4 inches of rainfall with elevated snow levels of around 5000 feet.
For the North Sound, rainfall totals are expected to range from a half inch to a bit more than an inch.
Impacts
This weather system will also pack a punch. Winds along the coast are forecast to have peak wind gusts up to 60 mph Saturday night. For the North Sound, winds are expected to be 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph mainly from Everett northward. Local power outages are possible.
Waves along the coast may reach as high as 25 feet with rapid run up and sneaker waves on beaches carrying logs and other debris. For storm watchers, be on higher ground to watch the action and avoid being on a jetty.
For the North Sound, wind created wave action can impact low lying exposed areas, particularly during high tide. Fortunately for Everett, the highest high tide on Saturday is during the morning near 915 AM and will not coincide with the strongest winds overnight.
With more tree leaves to fall and the rain runoff, storm drains can get clogged producing ponding of water on roadways. Public works authorities ask everyone to do their best to keep local storm drains clear of leaves.
Sunday and Temperatures
The recent quite mild mid-November weather will continue Saturday with highs ranging from the mid-50s to lower 60s.
Sunday will involve post-weather system showers and cooler conditions with highs in the 50s. The showers will continue Monday with mountain snow levels dropping to near 4000 feet with snow likely at Stevens Pass.
Any Threat of Flooding?
Thanks to the overall dry weather in October and early this month, North Sound rivers remain well within their banks.
The recent rains and this weekend’s wet weather will raise river levels, but for now, no significant flooding is anticipated heading into next week.
To keep up on the latest on Western Washington rivers and the potential of landslide, monitor the National Weather Service website at weather.gov/seattle/ With the rainy season here, it may be worthwhile to keep an eye on the rivers if you live near or commute through any of the North Sound’s river valleys.
