Flood Watch Thursday Night As Storms Bear Down On Washington

SEATTLE, WA — Two very wet systems will move through Western Washington this week, bringing extended periods of heavy rain to the lowlands and considerable snowfall in the mountain passes. According to the National Weather Service, widespread breezy conditions are expected Thursday night into early Friday.

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The forecasted precipitation prompted the NWS to issue a Flood Watch, which will go into effect at 10 p.m. Thursday and last through Sunday evening. The flood watch includes portions of 12 Washington counties, including King, Pierce, and Snohomish.

Forecasters said it is difficult to pinpoint which rivers will flood in advance, but the highest precipitation totals were expected in lowland areas south of Seattle and Tacoma, and the Chehalis River Basin. Those living near rivers should closely monitor forecasts as conditions change.

NWS meteorologists said 3 to 7 inches of rainfall is expected to fall across the region between Thursday and Saturday. The heaviest rains begin Thursday night, and rivers flooding may begin early Friday and last into the weekend. The NWS said there is also a chance we will see local urban flooding in some areas. By Saturday afternoon, Tacoma and Olympia may record up to 4 inches in rain. Seattle and Everett are forecast in the 2 to 3 inches range.

Heavy snowfall is expected in the Cascades and Olympics beginning Thursday evening, although the exact timing remains uncertain. Forecasters said those with travel plans over the mountain passes should be aware that hazardous conditions are possible at various times through Saturday.

The first storm will bring just a few inches of snow to Snoqualmie, Stevens, and White passes between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The second storm, which moves into the area Thursday afternoon, will hammer the mountains until Saturday morning. Snoqualmie Pass and White Pass are forecast to pick up between 12 and 18 inches from the second storm, with up to three feet of snow at Stevens Pass, and four feet at Paradise.

Stevens Pass officially opened to skiers and snowboarders on Wednesday, with three lifts in operation. The resort said more runs would open as conditions permit. Night skiing begins for the season Thursday.