Alert archive / Washington / High Wind Watches in 2021

High Wind Watch 2, NWS Seattle, WA

January 4, 2021San Juan County, Washington

NWS Seattle, WA issued this high wind watch at Jan 4, 2021, 2:38 PM PST for San Juan County, Washington. It took effect at Jan 5, 2021, 10:00 AM PST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 4, 2021, 2:38 PM PST (22:38 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 5, 2021, 10:00 AM PST
Expired
Jan 5, 2021, 2:26 AM PST
In force
Issued by
NWS Seattle, WA

County San Juan County, WA

The radar

The Seattle radar (KATX), 54 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:41 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Quillayute State, WA (KUIL), launched 12:00Z, 10.6 hours before the alert went out and 127 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Quillayute State, WA at 12:00Z on 2021-01-04Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 18 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Quillayute State, WA at 12:00Z on 2021-01-04The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 522 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
18 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-7 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
523 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
33 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
522 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
549 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

573 
WWUS76 KSEW 042238
NPWSEW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Seattle WA
238 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

WAZ001-503-506-050645-
/O.NEW.KSEW.HW.A.0002.210105T1800Z-210106T0600Z/
San Juan County-Western Whatcom County-Western Skagit County-
Including the cities of Friday Harbor, Bellingham, Mount Vernon, 
Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, and Burlington
238 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...Southeast winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 to 60 
  mph possible.

* WHERE...San Juan County, Western Whatcom County and Western 
  Skagit County.

* WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power 
  lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be 
  difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe
location prior to the onset of winds.

&&

$$

WAZ516-050645-
/O.NEW.KSEW.HW.A.0002.210105T1800Z-210106T0300Z/
North Coast-
Including the cities of Beaver, Clearwater, Forks, La Push, 
Neah Bay, Ozette, and Queets
238 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...Southeast winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 to 60 
  mph possible.

* WHERE...North Coast.

* WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be
  difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe
location prior to the onset of winds.

&&

$$
2 follow-up statements
831 
WWUS76 KSEW 050515
NPWSEW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Seattle WA
915 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

WAZ001-503-506-051315-
/O.CON.KSEW.HW.A.0002.210105T1800Z-210106T0600Z/
San Juan County-Western Whatcom County-Western Skagit County-
Including the cities of Friday Harbor, Bellingham, Mount Vernon, 
Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, and Burlington
915 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Southeast winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  possible.

* WHERE...Western Whatcom County, San Juan County and Western 
  Skagit County.

* WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power 
  lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be 
  difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe
location prior to the onset of winds.

&&

$$

WAZ516-051315-
/O.CON.KSEW.HW.A.0002.210105T1800Z-210106T0300Z/
North Coast-
Including the cities of Beaver, Clearwater, Forks, La Push, 
Neah Bay, Ozette, and Queets
915 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Southeast winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph 
  possible.

* WHERE...North Coast.

* WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power 
  lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be 
  difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe
location prior to the onset of winds.

&&

$$
744 
WWUS76 KSEW 051026
NPWSEW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Seattle WA
226 AM PST Tue Jan 5 2021

WAZ516-060300-
/O.UPG.KSEW.HW.A.0002.210105T1800Z-210106T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KSEW.HW.W.0002.210105T1800Z-210106T0300Z/
North Coast-
Including the cities of Beaver, Clearwater, Forks, La Push, 
Neah Bay, Ozette, and Queets
226 AM PST Tue Jan 5 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM
PST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...South winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...North Coast.

* WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 7 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power
  outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for 
  high profile vehicles.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.

&&

$$

WAZ001-503-060330-
/O.UPG.KSEW.HW.A.0002.210105T1800Z-210106T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KSEW.HW.W.0002.210105T2000Z-210106T0600Z/
San Juan County-Western Whatcom County-
Including the cities of Friday Harbor and Bellingham
226 AM PST Tue Jan 5 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 10 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Southeast winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...San Juan County and Western Whatcom County.

* WHEN...From noon today to 10 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power
  outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for 
  high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.

&&

$$

WAZ506-060330-
/O.UPG.KSEW.HW.A.0002.210105T1800Z-210106T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KSEW.WI.Y.0003.210105T2000Z-210106T0600Z/
Western Skagit County-
Including the cities of Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, 
and Burlington
226 AM PST Tue Jan 5 2021

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 10 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Southeast winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Western Skagit County.

* WHEN...From noon today to 10 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

WAZ517-060300-
/O.NEW.KSEW.WI.Y.0003.210105T1800Z-210106T0300Z/
Central Coast-
Including the cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam
226 AM PST Tue Jan 5 2021

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM PST
THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Central Coast.

* WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 7 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

WAZ510-060330-
/O.NEW.KSEW.WI.Y.0003.210105T2000Z-210106T0600Z/
Admiralty Inlet Area-
Including the city of Port Townsend
226 AM PST Tue Jan 5 2021

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 10 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Southeast winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Admiralty Inlet Area.

* WHEN...From noon today to 10 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Seattle, WA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 4, 7:40 AM PSTCoastal Flood AdvisorySEWSan Juan3 hr
Jan 4, 2:31 PM PSTGale WatchSEW6 hr
Jan 4, 2:31 PM PSTSmall Craft AdvisorySEW4 days

Nearby

High Wind Watches in Washington, 2021Every high wind watch in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.