It’s November. The protecting ridge is gone. And the first of a line-up of storms just went through.
A modest low center is moving across southern BC now (see surface map for 8 AM this morning), a low that has enhanced the north-south pressure difference across the region. That means winds from the south over western Washington.
Some of the winds were impressive, but this was not a major windstorm by any means (see the maximum winds today). Up to around 40 mph around Puget Sound and 50-60 mph over the coast. 60 mph near Hoquiam. Almost as strong near the Oregon/Washington border.
The first blow of the year is always a very special one, with trees being very susceptible to branch failures, with power outages an expected outcome. Many trees still have leaves, providing more area for the wind to work on. Substantial growth since the last wind season,provides lots of untested vegetation. And like all living creatures, there is decline and decay.
There were plenty of power outages today. Puget Sound Energy had about 12,000 customers without power, mainly around central Puget Sound.
And Seattle had even more…around 14,000. My power went out for a few seconds, but thankfully came back on. Forecast models had indicated the potential for winds, so Seattle City Light was undoubtedly ready.
This system was associated with a very wet frontal band, which brought substantial precipitation. Twenty-four hour totals were impressive, with some sites to the west and southwest of the Olympic receiving 4-5 inches. The western side of the north Cascades was drenched as well. Some rivers are approaching flood stage, but I don’t expect any flooding from this event.
But what really got my attention was the warmth, particularly after our below-normal temperatures over the past week. Some locations rose into the 60s, some in the mid-60s (see high temperature through 2 PM below). The warmest areas got an assist from air sinking off the Olympics, which warms by compression. And sinking air is generally cloud-free that provides lots of sunshine.
My tomatoes are not dead yet….will this revive them? I doubt it.
Enjoy the fine weather the rest of today and Friday…..it won’t last. Another wet front will approach on Friday and Saturday morning.
