Tacoma's First Fall Storm Arrives Wednesday: Weather Forecast

TACOMA, WA — Fall's arrival has laid out a red carpet of leaves to herald in the first wet and windy storm of the season. The National Weather Service says the heavy rains expected Wednesday could lead to localized flooding, especially if those leaves clog up the storm drains.

Forecasters are tracking southerly winds that will build along the coast Tuesday night, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph by early Wednesday. Those gusts are likely to impact Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties throughout the morning, as the "moisture surge" moves inland, before calming in the evening.

Wind speeds should be less dramatic in lowland areas, with gusts landing in the 15 to 20 mph range around Everett and Seattle, and up to 25 mph in Tacoma and Olympia. The National Weather Service says power outages and tree damage is possible Wednesday, especially on the coast and Northwest Interior.

Widespread flooding is not expected, and no related warnings were issued Tuesday. Forecasters said rivers will rise but not reach flood stages. However, localized flooding could occur in urban areas where leaves and other debris block storm drains.

Up to an inch of rain is expected Wednesday for most of Puget Sound, with up to 3 inches along portions of the coast.

The National Weather Service said a chance for isolated thunderstorms arrives Wednesday night along the coast, before spreading across the region Thursday. The highest likelihood for thunderstorms in most areas will be Thursday afternoon and evening.

Here's the 5-day forecast for Tacoma:

• Wednesday: 59°/55° (Rain: 100%)
• Thursday: 57°/53° (Showers: 100%)
• Friday: 56°/54° (Showers: 90%)
• Saturday: 59°/57° (Chance of rain)
• Sunday: 63°/56° (Chance of rain)

A weaker weather system will keep Friday cool and showery and continuing through the weekend. According to the long-term forecast, conditions will dry out Monday as high temperatures warm back towards the 70s.