Wind, Rain, and Potential Flodding

South Bend, Washington – The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency (PCEMA) office participated in a weather briefing this morning with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland. A high wind warning has been issued and is in effect until midnight Thursday for the south Washington coast. Southerly winds will increase to 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph this afternoon ahead of a strong incoming Pacific frontal system. The strongest winds with sustained south winds of 40-45 mph and gusts to 70 mph will start around 4:00 pm and continue into the evening. Winds will diminish after midnight but re-intensify on Thursday as a second, somewhat stronger, frontal wave lifts north through the offshore waters. Gusts to 60 mph are expected beginning mid Thursday morning but the strongest winds will likely arrive late Thursday afternoon and evening. Sustained south winds of 50 mph with gusts to 80 mph are expected. Once the front moves through around late Thursday evening, winds will ease. A high surf advisory remains in effect from 7:00 p.m. this evening to 4:00 a.m. Friday. This next storm system will once again cause seas offshore to build back up to 25 feet or possibly as high as 30 feet. Dangerous surf will continue to impact coastal areas through Thursday night. Three to six inches of rain are possible with this storm. However, there is a high degree of uncertainty as to the location of the rainfall. The NWS is monitoring the Willapa and Naselle Rivers and will provide updates as necessary. The combination of heavy surf, high tides, building storm surge, and plenty of rain runoff from area rivers may cause minor tidal overflow to return Thursday, especially to the more prone areas such as the City of Raymond, during high tide. Additional storms have the potential to bring periods of high winds to the coast again Friday through the weekend. Weather Outlook: Friday: Rain. High near 48. East southeast wind between 10 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Friday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Saturday Night: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 42. Sunday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 50. Sunday Night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 45. Precautionary/Preparedness actions: Residents should again prepare and take this time as an opportunity to take care of problems caused by the past storm before this one arrives. Prepare for possible power outages by checking flashlights, batteries, firewood, and generators. Plan to stay indoors and away from potential hazards such as trees and power lines. For the most up to date weather information from the NWS please visit http://www.weather.gov/portland. This page brings up all advisories, watches, and warnings for the southwest Washington area.