SEATTLE — A powerful Pacific storm is set to bring strong winds and large surf to the Washington coast on Saturday, November 7. The storm’s center is expected to make landfall just northwest of Vancouver Island. It is forecast to deepen to about 970 millibars, a very strong storm for this time of year. Even though the center will stay far away, its wind field is large enough to reach much of western Washington.
Big Storm Spinning Over the Pacific
Satellite images show a large, swirling storm spinning over the northeast Pacific Ocean. Its thick bands of cloud stretch hundreds of miles across the ocean west of British Columbia. The storm is heading toward the coast north of Vancouver.
Strong winds high in the atmosphere are helping fuel the system. Those upper-level winds will push a strong frontal system across Washington on Saturday. That front is what will bring the wind and rain to the state.
Strong Winds Along the Coast
The strongest winds are expected along the Washington coast. Towns near Ocean Shores, Westport, Long Beach, and the Olympic Peninsula could see powerful gusts. Strong winds may knock down trees and power lines.
Large surf is also expected as the storm churns up the ocean. Waves could become dangerous along beaches and jetties. People should stay off the beaches and away from the water’s edge.
Gusty Winds Possible Inland
Gusty winds are also possible inland across western Washington. High-resolution models have been trending higher for cities like Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and Bellingham. Gusts strong enough to bring down tree limbs are possible in some areas…