Wind rattles windows, streetlights sway, and steady rain pounds across Seattle this morning as a powerful Pacific system pushes deep moisture into western Washington. Roads glisten under low gray skies, and traffic already feels slower than usual as gusts lift spray from I-5 and SR-99. Residents should secure outdoor items now and budget extra travel time, especially where ponding forms quickly.
According to the National Weather Service, 4 to 6 inches of rain from recent days has primed the region for flooding and landslides. Additional heavy rain continues today through Wednesday, with amounts varying between a quarter inch and three-quarters of an inch per period. A Flood Watch remains in effect through Friday afternoon, and a Wind Advisory stays active until 10 p.m. Southerly winds of 20 to 30 mph could gust to 60 mph, especially between the coast, Kitsap Peninsula, North Sound, and the central Puget corridor.
These winds may snap limbs, down trees, and produce scattered power outages. High-profile vehicles will struggle on exposed bridges. Plan errands early and keep phones charged. Rainfall may reduce visibility through the afternoon, and water will rise quickly in creeks, rivers, and low-lying streets already saturated from persistent December storms.
Farther east, national meteorologists are tracking a potent clipper expected to drop bi-daily snow across the Great Lakes December 11–17, with lake-effect bands threatening Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio. Bitter Arctic air follows, pushing the coldest temperatures of the season toward the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic next weekend. Travelers returning from holiday visits should watch for flash-freezing hazards across those colder regions.
Five-Day Outlook (Seattle, WA)
• Tuesday: Rain, high 52°.
• Wednesday: Rain, high 56°.
• Thursday: Rain, high 54°.
• Friday: Chance of rain, high 52°.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 54°.
