The National Weather Service is warning of a significant storm system that is set to hit Western Washington on Sunday. Chief Meteorologist Morgan Palmer of KIRO 7 has declared Pinpoint Alert Days for Sunday and Monday, with a Winter Storm Watch in effect for the Cascades above 1,500 feet elevation. The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, especially in the Cascades, starting on Sunday and intensifying through Monday morning.
As the storm progresses, rainy and windy conditions are expected in the lowlands, with gusts of up to 40mph in the north Sound. In areas like Seattle, lighter rain patterns are expected due to rain shadowing from the Olympics. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour are likely with totals of one to three feet, making pass travel very difficult. While low snow levels are forecast for Monday, accumulating snow may occur mainly near the mountains and the North Sound in the lowlands.
Moving forward, milder temperatures and light showers are expected on Wednesday and beyond. Viewers are advised to stay tuned to Chief Meteorologist Morgan Palmer on KIRO 7 for further updates on the storm system and its impacts on Western Washington.