All residents of low-lying areas on west Whidbey and Camano islands were being urged today to prepare for the possibility that waves as high as nine feet may smash into their homes this evening, emergency officials said.
The waves likely will be fueled by sustained winds of up to 60 mph and gusts up to 90 mph blasting in off the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The highest winds on the west side of Whidbey and Camano islands are likely from 10 tonight to 4 a.m. Friday, said Danny Mercer, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Seattle.
Inland areas, including Everett and much of Snohomish County, can expect sustained winds of 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. The highest winds likely will be around midnight.
“This is almost certainly to be the strongest (windstorm) of the year and it could be the worst in several years if it hits just right,” said Dennis D’Amico with the weather service.
Hundreds of new homes have been built along the scenic coasts of both islands since the last large windstorm that came out of the west, so many people could be in for an unpleasant surprise, said Jan Smith, public information officer for the Island County Sheriff’s Department.
“People should head straight home from work,” Smith said. “Don’t go Christmas shopping. A lot of people may want to consider moving to a safer place to spend the night.”
Smith urged low-lying residents to tape or board up their view windows. Small keepsake valuables should be removed from homes and valuable electronics taken to higher ground.
Waves could wash over bulkheads, flooding beachfront properties, Smith said. The water also can smash logs into homes, causing major damage.
Heavy storm damage is feared because the strong winds will come out of the west, which is unusual, she said. Usually the wind comes from the south. Most properties are built to resist winds from the south, she said.
The Weather Service also issued a flood advisory for storm-related flooding along small streams in urban areas, including Snohomish County. Up to two inches of rain are predicted for most low-lying areas, but major river flooding is not expected at this time.
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