Santa Claus is not expected to be grounded by an incoming Christmas Eve windstorm, but residents across south King County could see downed trees, power outages and hazardous travel as strong winds move in on Wednesday, Dec. 24.
The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning and Coastal Flood Advisory for the region, warning of damaging winds, power outages and minor coastal flooding on Christmas Eve day.
The high wind warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday for much of western Washington, including south King County.
Forecasters said south winds of 20 to 35 mph are expected, with gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph.
The National Weather Service said the strongest winds are expected midday after an abrupt shift from east and northeast winds to southerly winds. Saturated soils from recent rainfall are expected to increase the risk of trees being blown down or uprooted, which could lead to widespread power outages and blocked roadways.
Travel may be difficult throughout the region, especially for high profile vehicles, forecasters said.
In addition to the wind warning, a coastal flood advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. to Noon Wednesday for low lying coastal and shoreline areas, including the lowlands of southern King County. Minor coastal flooding is expected during the morning high tide, with water levels projected to reach 1.75 to 2.25 feet above ground level in some locations.
The weather service said tidal overflow could flood parking lots, parks and roads, with isolated road closures possible. Coastal flooding is expected to occur in the hours surrounding the morning high tide at around 8:30 a.m.
The National Weather Service urged residents to avoid being outside near trees and forested areas during the windstorm and to stay in lower levels of their homes when possible. Drivers were advised to use caution and allow extra time for travel, particularly in areas prone to flooding.
Officials also warned residents not to drive through standing water or around barricades and to take steps to protect flood prone property.
High Wind Warning
“426 AM PST Wed Dec 24 2025
“…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7
PM PST THIS EVENING…
“* WHAT…South winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph expected.
“* WHERE…Portions of northwest and west central Washington.
“* WHEN…From 10 AM this morning to 7 PM PST this evening.
“* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines.
Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult,
especially for high profile vehicles.
“* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Winds will initially begin as
east/northeasterly in the morning before an abrupt shift to
southerly by midday, with which the strongest winds will occur.
Highly saturated soils will allow for an enhanced risk of tree
damage and uprooting.
“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.”
Video Forecast
Here’s the latest video forecast from Snyder’s Pacific Northwest Weather Watch:
High WInd Warnings are up for Western WA. I think some gusts around the sound around ~50mph, higher in some areas, lower in others, but I think the chance for widespread 58mph+ gusts is fairly low overall. I'll be up very early tomorrow to update with the latest!
— Michael Snyder (@SeattleWXGuy) December 24, 2025
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
- Wednesday: Rain, mainly before 4pm. High near 51. Breezy, with a north wind 9 to 14 mph becoming south 21 to 26 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. South wind 6 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
- Christmas Day: Rain likely after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. North wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
- Thursday Night: Rain likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. South southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
- Friday: Rain likely, mainly before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. South southwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
- Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.
- Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.
- Monday:Partly sunny, with a high near 47.
- Monday Night: A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
- Tuesday: A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47.
