The National Weather Service is issuing a warning for a significant storm system expected to impact Western Washington on Sunday. Chief Meteorologist Morgan Palmer anticipates Pinpoint Alert Days for Sunday and Monday as a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Cascades above 1,500 feet, with heavy snowfall predicted to intensify from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. Rain and wind are expected to increase throughout Sunday, with gusts reaching up to 40mph in some areas.
Precipitation is likely to be heavy in many locations, with one to two-inch per-hour snowfall rates expected, leading to snow totals of one to three feet, particularly at the mountain passes. While snowpack levels will benefit from the storm, pass travel will be challenging once heavy snowfall begins. By Monday, low snow levels around 500 feet may result in a rain/snow mix or wet snow in the lowlands, with the possibility of brief accumulations mainly near the mountains and North Sound, though temperatures are expected to remain above freezing. Looking ahead, milder temperatures and light showers are forecasted for Wednesday and beyond.
For more updates on the storm and its impact on Western Washington, viewers are encouraged to tune in to Chief Meteorologist Morgan Palmer on KIRO 7. With the potential for challenging travel conditions and varying levels of precipitation, residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for changing weather patterns in the region.
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