Weather Alert in Washington

Recent Locations: Herndon, VA Southworth, WA

Special Weather Statement issued July 30 at 2:01AM PDT by NWS Seattle WA

AREAS AFFECTED: San Juan County; Lowlands of Western Whatcom County; Lowlands of Western Skagit and Northwestern Snohomish Counties; Port Townsend Area; Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca; Western Strait of Juan de Fuca; Northern Washington Coast; Grays Harbor County Coast; Island County

DESCRIPTION: ...TSUNAMI ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE WASHINGTON COAST AND STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA... * UPDATES...The initial tsunami waves have arrived at the Washington coast and Strait of Juan de Fuca. * LOCAL IMPACTS... A tsunami capable of producing strong currents that may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures is expected. Widespread inundation is NOT expected. * RECOMMENDED ACTIONS... If you are located in this coastal area, move off the beach and out of harbors and marinas. Do not go to the coast to watch the tsunami. Be alert to instructions from your local emergency officials * OBSERVED TSUNAMI WAVE HEIGHTS FROM EARLIER... La Push Washington 0.6 ft Tsunamis often arrive as a series of waves or surges which could be dangerous for many hours after the first wave arrival. The first tsunami wave or surge may not be the highest in the series. * PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE INFORMATION... An earthquake occurred with a preliminary magnitude of 8.8. * TIDE INFORMATION... Neah Bay...Low tide of 1.3 ft at 958 AM PDT on Jul 30. High tide of 6.9 ft at 438 PM PDT on Jul 30. La Push...Low tide of 0.9 ft at 943 AM PDT on Jul 30. High tide of 7.4 ft at 415 PM PDT on Jul 30. Westport...Low tide of 1.2 ft at 956 AM PDT on Jul 30. High tide of 8.0 ft at 435 PM PDT on Jul 30. Port Angeles...Low tide of 2.2 ft at 1153 AM PDT on Jul 30. High tide of 6.4 ft at 651 PM PDT on Jul 30. Port Townsend...Low tide of 2.8 ft at 118 PM PDT on Jul 30. High tide of 8.2 ft at 811 PM PDT on Jul 30. Friday Harbor...Low tide of 2.7 ft at 147 PM PDT on Jul 30. High tide of 7.4 ft at 853 PM PDT on Jul 30. Seattle...Low tide of 3.4 ft at 214 PM PDT on Jul 30. High tide of 11.1 ft at 849 PM PDT on Jul 30. Tacoma...Low tide of 3.4 ft at 215 PM PDT on Jul 30. High tide of 11.5 ft at 852 PM PDT on Jul 30. This product will be updated as new information becomes available. Stay tuned to your local news source and NOAA weather radio for further information and updates.

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Weather Topic: What are Stratocumulus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Stratocumulus Clouds

Next Topic: Stratus Clouds

Stratocumulus clouds are similar to altocumulus clouds in their fluffy appearance, but have a slightly darker shade due to their additional mass.

A good way to distinguish the two cloud types is to hold your hand out and measure the size of an individual cloud; if it is the size of your thumb it is generally an altocumulus cloud, if it is the size of your hand it is generally a stratocumulus cloud.

It is uncommon for stratocumulus clouds to produce precipitation, but if they do it is usually a light rain or snow.

Next Topic: Stratus Clouds

Weather Topic: What are Wall Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Wall Clouds

Wall Clouds Next Topic: Altocumulus Clouds

A wall cloud forms underneath the base of a cumulonimbus cloud, and can be a hotbed for deadly tornadoes.

Wall clouds are formed by air flowing into the cumulonimbus clouds, which can result in the wall cloud descending from the base of the cumulonimbus cloud, or rising fractus clouds which join to the base of the storm cloud as the wall cloud takes shape.

Wall clouds can be very large, and in the Northern Hemisphere they generally form at the southern edge of cumulonimbus clouds.

Next Topic: Altocumulus Clouds