For Tuesday, November 19, a Wind Advisory from the National Weather Service will be in effect from 2 p.m. until 4 a.m. on Wednesday. Winds are expected to be 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph.
Atmospheric scientist Cliff Mass posted an article on his blog predicting the severity of the storm.
“An extraordinary storm will develop a few hundred miles off our coast on Tuesday, a storm every bit as strong as a Category 1 hurricane. But we can't call it a hurricane because of its northern origins and energy source (the energy comes from horizontal temperature differences, not warm water),” Mass wrote.
“This storm developed very rapidly (or explosively) the previous 24 hr and thus is considered a "bomb" cyclone (storms that deepen by 24 hPa or more in one day),” he detailed in the article.
In his next article he updated the forecast details, “The latest model forecasts are consistent: an unusually powerful storm with extreme low pressure will develop rapidly offshore on Monday and Tuesday.”
“But there is something else not yet discussed: this extreme offshore feature may cause a downslope windstorm on the western slopes of the Cascades. One that could easily cause extensive power failures,” said Mass.
The Weather Alert states that this will affect “portions of northwest and and west central Washington.”
The winds are coming from an atypical easterly direction, which is unusual, and the impacts may be more severe at lower wind speeds. The gusts could blow around unsecured objects, and tree limbs could be blown down. Some power outages are possible.
The advisory states to: “Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.”
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TomBoucher
Thanks, JOLT. Let's treat this power-out event as preparation for "The Big One," a powerful earthquake. Break out the camping supplies and take stock!
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Report this
8Matt8
I’m with Tom on this one. This will be good training for any number of scenarios. I mean, if our recent aurora’s are of any indication? That ejecta hit our planet at a KP Level 9. Well KP Level 9 and up is capable of dropping our power grid. Let’s use this cyclone as drill for bigger scenarios to come.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Report this
Snevets
Thank you for the update.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Report this