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Severe thunderstorm watch issued for areas of western WA, including Seattle

By and
Updated  March 26, 2025 3:35pm PDT
Weather Forecast
FOX 13 Seattle

Seattle weather: Strong to severe thunderstorm threat expected Wednesday

After record warmth on Tuesday, the Seattle area is bracing for a rare threat of strong to severe thunderstorms on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

The Brief

    • Western Washington faces a rare severe storm threat Wednesday evening, with the potential for large hail, damaging winds, lightning and a low risk of tornadoes, especially in Lewis, Thurston and Pierce counties.
    • Driven by temperature differences, the storms may produce hailstones as large as tennis balls and localized flash flooding; the severe threat decreases after midnight.
    • Residents should stay indoors, check alerts and follow safety recommendations, including taking shelter during tornado warnings and protecting vehicles from hail.

Severe thunderstorm watch

Weather Alert:

SEATTLE - A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for the following counties in WA: Clark, Cowlitz, King, Lewis, Pierce, Skamania, and King, and the following counties in OR: Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill. 

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Severe weather forecast timeline

Timeline:

FOX 13 Seattle meteorologists are tracking an elevated threat for severe storms in western Washington on Wednesday evening with large hail, damaging winds, plentiful lightning and torrential rain possible. There’s even a low risk of a few tornadoes.

Strong to severe storms will be tracking from the south up to the north Wednesday evening. Storms could fire up as early as 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. near the Oregon state line before moving into the greater Seattle area by about 6 p.m.

Severe storms could erupt in the Seattle area on Wednesday evewning.

Active, stormy weather is predicted for Wednesday evening in the Seattle area. (FOX 13 Seattle)

Severe storm to hit Seattle Wednesday evening

Local perspective:

This is going to be a hit-or-miss situation. Some communities will get little to nothing while others could see highly impactful storms.

According to forecast models, western Washington is under a marginal to slight risk of severe storms. This is a Level 1 and 2, respectively, out of a 5-point scale. It’s incredibly rare for our region to see this type of weather pattern.

Scattered severe storms are possible in the greater Seattle area on Wednesday evening.

There's a slight risk for scattered severe storms Wednesday evening in Seattle. (FOX 13 Seattle)

Why does western Washington face the rare, unique threat of such intense storms?

The chance of seeing intense storms on Wednesday evening is due in large part to a big difference in temperatures between the surface and the higher levels of the atmosphere. 

Bottom line: there is remarkably warm air closer to the ground. In fact, record-breaking temperatures are possible on Wednesday afternoon. Highs could reach the low 70s once again. 

Meanwhile, an area of low pressure is brewing off the Washington coast. This storm system will be throwing cold, moist air aloft across western Washington and Oregon. Hot air will rise, generating forceful updrafts. This will contribute towards large hailstones forming.

Record warmth (ahead of the severe weather Wednesday evening) is forecast in Seattle.

Highs in Seattle will reach the upper 60s to the low 70s on Wednesday afternoon. (FOX 13 Seattle)

Hailstones, tornadoes in Washington

Dig deeper:

There is at least a 10% chance of hail two inches in diameter or greater in places, including Seattle and Tacoma on Wednesday evening. 

Hail stones in some cases could be as large as golf balls, with tennis ball-sized hail even possible. See the image below for more details.

Large hail and severe storms could develop in Seattle on Wednesday evening.

There could be large hail of one to two inches in diameter in Seattle Wednesday night. (FOX 13 Seattle)

The tornado risk has increased to 5 to 9% for some areas of Lewis, Thurston and Pierce counties. Should a tornado warning be issued (meaning, a tornado is imminent or already happening), take shelter immediately. 

Keep reading for our safety tips below.

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The Storm Prediction Center is forecasting the threat for large hail in Western Washington. (FOX 13 Seattle)

Flash flooding, wind gusts

Localized flash flooding is possible in these strong thunderstorms. We also can’t rule out mudslides or debris flows off of burn scars in the mountains (previously burned areas from wildfires). 

Powerful winds with gusts to at least 58 mph could develop as well.

When will the storms subside?

What's next:

After midnight, the chance of severe storms will drop. 

There could still be heavy rain, lightning and some wind gusts, but the threat of damage from the storms will decline.

On Thursday, there could be more thunderstorms; however, they’re not expected to be severe.

Lightning, large hail, damaging gusts and spotty tornadoes could form in the Seattle area Wednesday evening.

Strong-to-severe storms will fire up in Western Washington on Wednesday afternoon and evening. (FOX 13 Seattle)

 Recommendations for staying safe on Wednesday evening

  • If you can do so, get to your safe place by 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. to be conservative. If you’re able, FOX 13 Seattle meteorologists recommend staying in one place until the severe threat is over by 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. Check the FOX Local app and radar through the night to see what’s happening and any active alerts.
  • If you have to be on the road and driving between activities, ensure you have your emergency alerts turned on via your mobile phone.
  • If you absolutely must be driving around the area Wednesday evening, know what to do when a severe thunderstorm warning or a tornado warning is issued. It’s dangerous to drive during severe weather. Be prepared to take cover in a sturdy shelter.
  • Have multiple ways of receiving alerts. Download the FOX Local app for your connected TV AND mobile phone for weather coverage! Download at least one other weather app, as well, to watch radar and alerts in your particular area.
  • Only get your weather information from trusted sources.
  • If a tornado warning is issued, and you don’t have a basement to go to, get to your lowest level and most interior room away from windows like a pantry, closet or hallway.
  • If you can, park your car in a garage or under a covering to protect it from hail.

Take good care and stay safe,

Abby Acone and Brian MacMillan

The Source: Information in this story comes from weather models interpreted by FOX 13 Seattle meteorologists Abby Acone and Brian MacMillan.

MORE THUNDERSTORM NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

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Seattle hailstorm warning: How to protect your car from costly damage

Tips to stay safe during a Seattle lightning storm

Wednesday storms bring risks of lightning, hail and damaging winds to western WA

Possibility of tornadoes in Washington Wednesday

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