Seattle, Washington – Strong westerly winds are set to sweep across Washington late Tuesday, raising concerns for power outages, hazardous travel, and difficult conditions along the coast and inland waterways as gusts intensify through the night.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, westerly gusts of 40 to 55 mph are expected from late Tuesday afternoon through overnight hours, with isolated gusts potentially exceeding 55 mph. High Wind Warnings have been issued for coastal areas, while High Wind Advisories cover much of the interior, both taking effect starting at 4 p.m.
The strongest winds are expected along the Washington coast, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and higher elevations, where exposed areas could see downed trees and power lines. Along the coast and through the Strait, marine conditions will deteriorate quickly, making travel hazardous for small craft and ferries.
Across the Puget Sound region, including Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and Olympia, gusty winds may lead to scattered outages and difficult driving, especially on bridges, elevated roadways, and north-south routes exposed to crosswinds. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, charge devices ahead of time, and avoid parking near trees.
Winds are expected to ease gradually by Wednesday morning, though additional advisories could be issued if conditions intensify overnight.
