Seattle, Washington – Residents across Seattle and much of western Washington are being urged to prepare for damaging winds on Christmas Eve Day, as forecasters warn a powerful storm system will move directly through the region, bringing strong gusts, potential power outages, and hazardous travel conditions.
Meteorologists say the system could have widespread impacts during the heart of the holiday, particularly during the afternoon hours when winds are expected to peak.
Strong Storm System Moving Up the West Coast
A large upper-level low-pressure system, currently positioned offshore of northern California, is slowly tracking northward and is expected to move into Washington state on Wednesday.
As the storm advances, it will follow the Interstate 5 corridor, a track that typically enhances wind impacts for populated areas including Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and the central Puget Sound.
Forecasters say this system is strong enough to prompt official alerts due to the risk of property damage and service disruptions.
High Wind Warning and Wind Advisory in Effect
A High Wind Warning and Wind Advisory will go into effect Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening, covering much of western Washington, including the Seattle metro area.
Winds are expected to begin as easterly breezes early Wednesday morning, particularly near the Cascade foothills, before shifting to strong southerly winds as the storm moves north.
Officials warn these gusts could result in:
- Downed trees
- Broken tree branches
- Power outages
- Hazardous driving conditions, especially on bridges and elevated roadways
Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items and prepare for possible disruptions.
Peak Winds Expected Christmas Eve Afternoon
Forecast models are increasingly aligning on the timing of the strongest winds, which are now expected between noon and 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, with the peak around 3 p.m. across the central Puget Sound.
Meteorologists say the winds will increase rapidly, moving from south to north, and may catch some residents off guard due to the sudden onset.
While conditions will remain breezy into the evening, the most damaging gusts are expected to be short-lived, with the system moving out relatively quickly.
Winds Begin to Ease by Evening
By around 8 p.m. Wednesday, wind gusts are expected to drop below warning and advisory thresholds, though breezy conditions will likely persist.
Forecasters estimate gusts of 20 to 30 mph during the evening hours, with winds continuing to gradually ease overnight into Thursday.
Utility crews and emergency responders are expected to remain on standby throughout the day in case outages or storm-related hazards develop.
Rain Showers and Mild Temperatures
In addition to strong winds, scattered rain showers are expected throughout Wednesday, adding another layer of difficulty for travelers and outdoor holiday plans.
Daytime highs will range from the upper 40s to low 50s, which is relatively mild for late December but typical for a wind-driven Pacific storm.
Showers are expected to continue into Thursday and Friday, though conditions will be much calmer compared to Christmas Eve.
Quieter Weather Ahead for the Weekend
Looking ahead, forecasters say high pressure will begin building into the region by the weekend, bringing drier skies and cooler temperatures.
This shift should provide a welcome break after the midweek storm, allowing for more stable weather conditions as residents head into the final days of the holiday season.
Are you preparing for the high winds in Seattle, or have you already experienced storm impacts where you live? Share your location, weather conditions, and holiday plans in the comments to help others stay informed.
