GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY, Wash. — A Tornado Warning was in effect for part of southwest Washington Wednesday afternoon.
A warning for southwestern Grays Harbor County expired at 5 p.m. A warning for northwestern Pacific County expired at 4:30 p.m.
The National Weather Service said a confirmed waterspout was located offshore near Tokeland around 4:14 p.m., moving north at approximately 25 miles per hour. People in the area confirmed a waterspout moving toward the show, though there is no confirmation it actually did, according to the weather service.
The National Weather Service warned people of flying debris that could be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Damage to homes and vehicles is possible.
KING 5 Meteorologist Mike Everett said the event is directly related to the bomb cyclone. Because the cyclone stayed offshore there was a possibility that the bands of the storm could continue to ripple across the region. The strong bands will continue to move northeast throughout the night.
People in the area were told to take cover, moving to a basement or an interior room on the bottom floor of their home or building.
Tornadoes are rare in Washington but can and do occur. Washington averages 2.5 tornadoes per year. The tornadoes are generally weak with ratings of EF0 or EF1 but there have been EF2 and EF3 tornadoes recorded.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
