Severe thunderstorm watch announced for parts of Oregon and Washington. Fox13 Seattle
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for western Washington until 9 p.m. on Wednesday. The storm could bring large hail, strong winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. There’s even a small chance of tornadoes in some areas.
Areas Under Watch
The affected counties in Washington include:
- King
- Clark
- Cowlitz
- Lewis
- Pierce
- Skamania
The watch also covers several counties in Oregon, including Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill.
Storm Timeline and Intensity
The storm will begin in southern Washington near the Oregon border around 4 p.m., moving north toward Seattle by 6 p.m. The storm will bring damaging winds, with gusts reaching at least 58 mph. It could also cause flash flooding and debris flows in mountain areas, especially near wildfire burn scars.
Hail and Tornado Risk
The storm could produce large hail in Seattle, Tacoma, and nearby areas. Hailstones may be as big as golf balls, with some possibly reaching tennis ball size. The risk of hail two inches or larger is around 10%.
There is also a 5 to 9% chance of tornadoes in Lewis, Thurston, and Pierce counties. If a tornado warning is issued, people should seek immediate shelter.
Storm Safety Tips
If you’re in the affected area, stay indoors during the storm. If you’re driving, avoid flooded roads and seek shelter if conditions become dangerous.
Here are some safety tips:
- Park cars in garages or under cover to prevent hail damage.
- Stay in an interior room away from windows if a tornado warning is issued.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone for real-time updates.
When Will the Storm End?
The storm will weaken after midnight, though heavy rain and wind could continue for a few more hours. On Thursday, more thunderstorms are possible, but they are not expected to be severe.
