09:32 AM PDT on Sunday, June 6, 2004

Associated Press

STANWOOD, Wash. -- The National Weather Service said Saturday evening that it was investigating reports of possible tornados in northwest Washington, but did not immediately confirm any.

Dark storm clouds hang over Clark County during a past tornado. (KGW Sky 8 File Photo)

The National Weather Service in Seattle said it had received reports of at least one funnel cloud near Interstate 5 in the Stanwood area, but had not confirmed that it touched the ground, which would qualify it as a tornado, said meteorologist Dana Felton.

There were no immediate reports of damage, although a weather service investigator will visit the area on Sunday, Felton said.

Washington has had at least five tornados in the calendar year. That's well over the yearly average of 1.8, according to the National Weather Service. They have ranged in geography from the Spokane area in northeast Washington, to Sumas in northwest Washington, to La Center in southwest Washington.

More unsettled weather is expected in Washington on Sunday, Felton said.