Special Weather Statement for East Puget Sound Lowlands

Thunderstorms are forecast for the east Puget Sound lowlands today, including the Plateau area, according to a National Weather Service statement issued at 10:33 a.m. today.

However, it is a combination of winds aloft and an unstable and cold air mass that concerns forecasters as it supports the formation of rotating thunderstorms that may produce cold-air funnel clouds, small hail and wind gusts up to 45 mph.

The cold and unstable air is expected to stream into this area this evening. The NWS will be monitoring the situation and issue statements and warnings as needed. Patch will bring you these updates as they come up.

If you see unusual convective activity, please contact the National Weather Service at 206-526-6087.

Tips from the Red Cross on preparing for high winds and possible power outages:

Prepare for High Winds

• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs.
• Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.
• During the storm, draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.

Top Safety Tips for a Power Outage

• Assemble essential supplies, including: flashlight, batteries, portable radio, at least one gallon of water, and a small supply of food.  For more information about building or purchasing a disaster kit go to www.seattleredcross.org.
• Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Due to the extreme risk of fire, do not use candles during a power outage.
• Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 9-1-1 for information – only call to report a life-threatening emergency.
• Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.
• Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out. Leave one light on so you know when the power comes back on.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours.
• If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
• Stay focused on the risks of smoke and carbon monoxide. Buy a carbon monoxide alarm if you do not already have one. They are available at most hardware stores. If you have one, check the battery to make sure it is working. If the alarm sounds: get to fresh air by going outside. Contact the fire department before you go back inside your home.  

For more information about disaster education, workplace preparedness and emergency products please contact the Red Cross at www.seattleredcross.org or www.redcrosswashington.org.