Weather
Potential Lowland Snow, Flooding Concerns In The Week Ahead
Flooding and landslide concerns will continue through Tuesday and we may see much cooler temperatures in the lowlands by the weekend.
SEATTLE, WA — A strong system moving through Western Washington brought lowland rain and heavy snow to mountain passes Monday ahead of possible river flooding Tuesday. State transportation officials closed Stevens Pass in both directions overnight after nearly a dozen trees fell onto snowy roads Monday afternoon. WSDOT crews reopened the pass shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday.
US 2 will remain closed overnight between the summit of Stevens Pass and Coles Corner (mp 66-84). A crew will reevaluate the conditions at 5 a.m. tomorrow. Heavy snow clinging to branches has caused trees to fall onto the roadway. Do not attempt to go around road closure points. pic.twitter.com/jDk1oWpOGx
— WSDOT East (@WSDOT_East) January 7, 2020
According to National Weather Service forecasts, snow levels will begin to rise Monday night, with most mountain snow transitioning to rain by Tuesday morning. Several rivers have the potential to reach flood stage, and a Flood Watch is in effect until Wednesday morning for several counties, including King, Pierce, Snohomish and Thurston.
There is an increased threat for #landslides in Western Washington areas below 5000 feet, due to saturated grounds and heavy rains. The risk will increase through Tuesday night, then decrease afterwards. #WAwx pic.twitter.com/pu9q5PCHZC
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 6, 2020
A Flood Warning was also issued for the Tolt River, near Carnation, until Tuesday evening. Minor flooding is also possible along the Nooksack, Samish, Skokomish and Stillaguamish rivers. Rainfall totals were forecast to hit 1 inch in Seattle and Everett by Tuesday evening, with up to 2 inches possible in the Tacoma area. Forecasters expect the heavier precipitation should end by Tuesday night before transitioning to showers Wednesday.
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The @NWS has issued a Flood Warning for the Tolt River in @carnationwa this afternoon to Tuesday evening. Potential flooding on Tolt River Rd NE. Some homes in the San Souci area could be inaccessible due to deep and quick flood waters. Be safe & avoid standing water. pic.twitter.com/YCwekY3zDq
— Eastside Fire & Rescue (@EastsideFire) January 6, 2020
In the long-term, NWS Seattle said early indications show below-normal temperatures are likely late in the week, which could allow for snow at low elevations if the timing coincides with wet weather patterns. Some models showed light snow possible in some areas as early as Thursday morning. More details on the potential for lowland snow will be released as conditions evolve.
SNOW WATCH: PM UPDATE Wet snow possible Thurs AM north of Everett. Non-impactful flakes possible around Seattle/Tacoma Cold air arrives on Sunday. Light snow possible Sun night-Mon Bigger snow threat possible later next week. But that’s a long ways out.
— Seattle Weather Blog (@KSeattleWeather) January 7, 2020
Yes, those snowflakes on your weather app starting Sunday are legit. What’s not shown, however, is how much snow could fall/stick. Near impossible to say this far out—but I’d lean toward lighter amounts. No strong sign of a Feb 2019 repeat...yet. pic.twitter.com/K9tORDcVl7
— Seattle Weather Blog (@KSeattleWeather) January 6, 2020
Colder Weather Pattern Ahead | Below normal temperatures are expected late this weekend through next week. There is still uncertainty as to how cold the air mass will be and the timing of cold air with respect to moisture. Monitor the forecasts through the week. [@NWSCPC Graphic] pic.twitter.com/CeAcm1Qni7
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 7, 2020
Active weather through this week! There is indication of a colder weather pattern late this week through next week. Temperatures will be below normal. It is too early to speculate on possible weather systems. Stay tuned to the forecast! #WAwx pic.twitter.com/cQVAtdEU1i
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 5, 2020
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