Landslide Warning Issued For Puget Sound Region

RENTON, WA - The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning of increased landslide risk across the region throughout the week due to heavy rainfall.

The warning affects areas from Everett to Olympia, and east into the Cascades.

"Rainfall of 4 to 5 inches last week has increased soil moisture to high levels across Western Washington. Heavy rainfall of 1 to 2 inches in the lowlands and upwards of 7 inches in the mountains of Western Washington is expected through Thursday. This amount of rain will put extra pressure on soil instability, leading to an increased threat of landslides."

There have been landslides in recent days around the region. On Friday, landslides in south Seattle and Puyallup closed roadways. Early Wednesday morning, a mudslide in West Seattle closed a major artery. A large landslide along I-5 in Seattle last week pushed a large tree onto the highway, blocking all but the HOV lane.

Rain is expected to fall throughout the day on Wednesday and into Thursday. You can read the weather services's full landslide statement here.

Image via Patch.com