Severe thunderstorm watch issued for parts of western Washington

SEATTLE — Strong, widespread thunderstorms are forecast in western Washington Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night.

Dangerous lightning and heavy downpours that lead to short-term urban flooding are likely, according to KOMO News Chief Meteorologist Shannon O’Donnell. Unusually large hail – potentially above quarter-sized – along with bursts of damaging wind or even an isolated tornado are also possible with this storm.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of western Washington through 9 p.m. Wednesday. The watch includes King, Pierce, Lewis, Pierce and Thurston counties.

A severe thunderstorm watch means “conditions are favorable for hazards to occur,” the NWS said. A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm is “happening or about to happen.” In the event of severe weather warnings, be prepared to seek shelter in the most interior part of a building, ideally a basement, and away from windows, O’Donnell said.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, this is the first time Seattle and King County have been included in a severe thunderstorm watch since June 1999. A severe thunderstorm watch was last issued for Pierce, Lewis and Thurston counties in May 2017.

The NWS said there were reports of “some lightning strikes” from storm cells moving up from the south into King County around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday.

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A secondary wave of steady rain and gusty wind will roll in by Thursday.

Click here to see the full forecast for western Washington.