Cliff Mass warns of second strong windstorm Friday, with a caveat

Residents of Washington are gearing up for a second strong windstorm as they recover from a recent bomb cyclone that caused significant damage and power outages. Cliff Mass, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington, states that this upcoming storm will be strong but not as intense as the bomb cyclone. Winds are expected to begin in the foothills, impacting communities like Enumclaw and North Bend with gusts of 30-40 miles per hour. The most severe winds, potentially reaching 50-70 miles per hour, will occur along the coast, leading to possible damage and power outages. The storm will develop in stages, with initial gusts arriving in the early morning and intensifying by the afternoon.

Coastal areas will experience the worst conditions, while central Puget Sound is likely to have milder weather. Although this storm is anticipated to be weaker than the previous one, it is still a significant weather event, and residents are encouraged to prepare for potential disruptions and stay informed about the evolving weather situation.