Wind: South 10-20mph. East entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca around Whidbey Island will see the strongest wind, with gusts up to 40 mph.

Rain: Rain is increasing through Wednesday afternoon. There's a chance of a thunderstorm, mainly along the coast. Heavy downpours and hail are possible around the Sound through the remainder of the day.

Snow: A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect through 6 a.m. Thursday. Heavy mountain snow will pick up after 5 p.m. over the Cascades, where 8-16 inches of new snow is forecast. The passes will see totals in the 4-8 inch range. The snow level will drop to near 1,000 feet early Thursday for a threat of snow in lowland areas/high hills and foothills.

Cloud Cover: Mostly cloudy

Significant Notes: Hail was reported this morning in Carnation. Lightning strikes have already been detected offshore. There's potential for heavy downpours and small hail this afternoon.

Details: The storm sitting just off the Washington coast looks impressive for this time of year on the satellite imagery. This storm has tapped into a good amount of moisture which will bring healthy rain Wednesday afternoon/evening, along with heavy mountain snow. Just ahead of the front is steady rain that will be increasing through Wednesday afternoon. The potential for heavy downpours and small hail is there Wednesday afternoon and evening. The snow over the Cascades will really be ramping up after 5 p.m.

Overnight, behind the front, much colder air will settle in over us. This will cause the snow level to plummet to 500-1,000 feet. Heavy showers, especially on higher hills and along the Cascade foothills will bring the opportunity for lowland snow. Any accumulation looks to be confined to grassy surfaces. By midday Thursday, everything will turn over to rain showers, with the potential for more thunderstorms in the forecast.

The weather should settle down for the weekend. We’ll be drying out Friday with only a chance shower. With the exception of a few north Sound showers Saturday, we’re looking dry. Sunday is dry for everybody with temperatures back up around 60 degrees.