10:50 AM update...here is the latest Doppler velocity image. I normally don't show you this. Blue is incoming westerly winds of 36 kts. A convergence zone has formed with heavy rain in the central Sound.
The low pressure system moved in a little south of the last model forecast, but strong winds are now hitting the central and southern WA coast . For example, the above image shows the surge to 45 knots at Tokeland at the north end of Willapa Bay. And Astoria and Westport have done the same.
And here is an official spotter report on the southern coast...85 mph.
0430 AM NON-TSTM WND GST 1 SW OYSTERVILLE 46.54N 124.05W
11/22/2009 M85.00 MPH PACIFIC WA TRAINED SPOTTER
DUAL ANENOMETERS...BOTH READ 84 AND 85 MPH PEAK GUSTS.
You can see the wind transition in the vertical looking at the Westport "atmospheric river" observatory information:
You can see the wind switch around 12 UTC (4 AM) to the NW, with winds just above the surface reaching 40-50 kts sustained.As noted last night, this is NOT a general western WA windstorm. Moderate winds will be limited to the area south of Puget Sound.
The next issue is the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Considering the track of the low the westerly surge will probably be weaker...but it still will happen. But the low has to get past us first. Watch the pressure down the Strait....you want to see the pressure at Quillayute rise significantly against Bellingham. It should all start happening during the next few hours...but again, this won't be one of the major westerly surges that cause major damage. Just a garden variety one. Rain should decrease substantially over the next few hours.
Finally, if anyone is interested KCTS TV is repeating my weather program at 1 PM.
