UW Emergency Management

October 13, 2016

October 2016 Storm Series Information

The first of two impending storms expected to hit the Greater Seattle Area is already underway with heavy rainfall; high winds are expected to begin tonight around 7:00 PM. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the second storm event expected to begin early Saturday morning, could be one for the record books. UW Emergency Management staff will continue to monitor NWS webinars, and then update the UW Seattle campus community.

 

Current Outlook for the Seattle Area:

Storm #1– Late Wednesday to Friday morning

  • A High Wind Watch has been issued for the lowland interior
  • Expect 20-30 mph winds, with gusts up to 55pmh
  • Expect fallen trees and power outages
  • Expect an additional 1-2 inches of rain, with snow levels remaining about 5-6000 ft.
  • The strongest winds are still expected to occur between 10pm and midnight tonight
  • Because leaves are still on trees, some urban flooding can be expected
  • Rivers will likely approach flood levels, but minimal – if any – river flooding is expected

 

Storm #2/Songda– Potentially stronger storm to hit Saturday morning through Sunday morning. These storm is the remnants of Tropical Storm Songda and carries with it higher winds. The National Weather Service is increasingly confident that this will be an exceptionally strong storm.

  • Similar rainfall as storm #1
  • Increased wind gusts, gusts could surpass 60 mph
  • Strongest impact on coast and N. interior
  • Expect power outages, fallen trees, urban flooding
  • Rivers with increased potential to flood
  • Landslide risk heightened for Sunday
  • Location of largest in-land impact still unknown

 

car guyCommuter Impacts

  • Higher winds are not expected to impact the Thursday evening commute, however the 1-2” of rain in the next 24 hours might lead to standing water on roadways.
  • The Friday morning commute may be impacted due to power outages, standing water, downed trees and debris blocking area roads.
  • Urban flooding is also possible in some areas due to the increased rainfall, this may close some streets around the region.

 

 

What’s Next?

As promised, UWEM will continue to tune into National Weather Service webinars, communicate with our City and County partners and will send out updates as necessary to our internal and external stakeholders.  Stay safe everyone, it is likely going to be a messy few days, into the weekend.  If you have any questions after-hours, please contact our 24/7 UWEM Duty Officer phone at 206-765-7192.

Students, Staff, and Faculty can find information on power outage preparedness at the UWEM and Seattle City Light websites. We recommend that people take steps to have a kit ready for home, work and the car.

Lastly, clear storm drains of leaves and debris, when are where possible, to minimize urban flooding. Pull any outdoor furniture or equipment not bolted down inside, and stock up on preparedness materials like water, blankets, and flashlights/batteries.