Sequim and Port Angeles seem to be escaping some of the nasty winter blizzards in Western Washington, in large part because of the rain shadow that shields our area.
The National Weather Service reports:
A blizzard warning will shortly replace the current winter storm watch for the Western Strait (from about Joyce westerly) and the North Coast in Clallam County, including Forks, LaPush, Neah Bay, Clallam Bay, and Sekiu. Blizzard conditions are expected to start Saturday afternoon and continue through the evening, moderating by Sunday morning. The NWS defines a blizzard as large quantity and/or a blowing snow with winds of 35 mph or stronger, and visibility of 1/4 mile or less for more than three hours. For Western Clallam County the NWS expects 6 – 12″ of snow accumulation, and winds of 35 – 45 mph and gusts to 60 mph. This is a potentially dangerous situation for the West part of the County and citizens are advised to prepare now.
For the east end of the County, lowland areas are expected to see new snow accumulations of 1 – 3″ and winds of about 20 mph. The NWS is not however declaring a storm warning for the Eastern part of the County. The shadowing effect of the Olympics is expected to make Port Angeles and Sequim one of the least impacted areas from this storm, however, I would emphasize that these forecasts are subject to change. Residents are advised to watch weather forecasts for updates. Furthermore, even in Eastern Clallam County, those living at higher elevations may experience considerably greater snowfall.
In the Olympic Mountains, snowfall is expected to be extremely high (2 – 3 feet.) Also for the Olympics the NWS has issued an Avalanche Warning. Earlier “weak” snow is going to be covered with a large accumulation of new “strong” snow, creating extremely hazardous avalanche conditions. The possibility of triggering an avalanche by mountain travel, particularly on side hills is significant. Accordingly, winter activities in the higher elevations of the Olympics should proceed only with great caution.
Read updated National Weather Service reports for Sequim.
Read updated National Weather Service reports for Port Angeles.
Finally, you can compare the weather in Sequim and Port Angeles LIVE right here.
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Bookmark this article so you can come back periodically and see the weather comparison yourself. Courtesy of Chuck Marunde and Sequim & Port Angeles Real Estate, LLC.
Last Updated on May 9, 2024 by Chuck Marunde
