High winds expected in time for evening commute

Published 10:37 am Thursday, December 3, 2015

EVERETT — High winds could make for a slow Thursday evening commute.

Gusts of up to 60 mph and sustained winds of 25 to 40 mph are predicted during the afternoon and evening by the National Weather Service in Seattle.

“If I had to nickname it, I would call it a hit-and-run,” said Andy Haner, a weather service meteorologist. “It could be here for three hours and be gone.”

The weather service has issued a warning from 2 to 10 p.m. for the Puget Sound region. The latest forecasts indicate the winds will be short-lived but powerful. High wind could begin in Pierce County around 3 p.m. and spread to King and Snohomish counties.

Haner said it could be particularly strong between 4 and 7 p.m. The winds could bring down trees and knock out power and traffic lights.

“It might be a rough ride home,” Haner said. “If you don’t have to drive, I would say it would be a good idea to stay home.”

Today’s expected winds are from the south, which is more typical than the northwesterly winds that devastated the region during a Nov. 17 storm. Tree root systems are better adapted to southerly winds, Haner said.

The Snohomish County PUD was preparing for the high winds on Thursday morning.

“We are ready to respond if needed,” said Neil Neroutsos, a utility district spokesman. “We have had some experience with this lately.”

Anyone losing power can report it to the PUD at 425-783-1001.

Neroutsos also said it is a good time to prepare emergency kits with food, water and first-aid supplies.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com.