Dark rain clouds gathering over the lush landscapes of Washington ahead of an atmospheric river.
Western Washington is bracing for intense weather as an atmospheric river is set to bring significant rainfall and warmer temperatures starting Friday night. A Flood Watch has been issued for several counties, with rainfall predictions of up to 7 inches on the Olympic Peninsula. Strong winds could lead to power outages, and avalanche warnings are also in place for the Cascades and Olympics. This weather event is expected to affect daily life, property, and travel, prompting residents to prepare accordingly.
This weekend, western Washington is preparing for some pretty intense weather as an atmospheric river is set to roll in. It all kicks off Friday night, bringing a combination of rain and warmer temperatures that will hang around until Tuesday. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, keep your rain gear close, as this weather system could have a significant impact on daily life, property, and travel.
A Flood Watch has been issued starting Sunday morning through Tuesday night, covering several counties in northwest Washington. Areas such as Grays Harbor, Skagit, King, Lewis, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston counties should be especially vigilant during this time. Additionally, a Hydrologic Outlook is in effect for Whatcom, Jefferson, and Clallam counties, so be prepared for possible rainfall-related issues.
Forecasts are predicting that the Olympic Peninsula could see between 4 to 7 inches of rain, while the Cascades might receive around 4 to 5 inches. That’s a lot of water, and with snow levels climbing from 3,500 feet to a whopping 5,500 feet by Saturday morning, this weather event has the potential to trigger some mild to moderate flooding.
Keep an eye on rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying flood-prone areas, as these locations are most likely to experience flooding due to the heavy rains and melting snow. Specifically, the Skokomish River in Mason County is under a Flood Warning, with forecasts showing it may rise above flood stage come Saturday.
As if the rain wasn’t enough, gusty winds are also on the way! This weekend, strong winds may hit areas north of Everett, with gusts predicted to exceed 45 miles per hour. Keep this in mind, as these winds could lead to localized power outages, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
If you’re considering heading out for some backcountry fun in the snow, think twice! An avalanche warning has been issued for parts of both the Cascades and the Olympics. The risk of snow slides is elevated, so it’s best to avoid those areas until conditions improve.
On a brighter note, the rainy weather early next week could offer some relief from previous rain deficits experienced back in January and February. So although this atmospheric river seems daunting, it may just help restore some balance to the local environment.
This atmospheric river will also have effects further afield, potentially leading to significant flash flooding across parts of Idaho and Montana. It’s a big weather event that nearly 10 million folks in the Northwest and Rockies should keep an eye on.
So, as we gear up for this weather system, it’s a good idea to stay informed, prepare for potential disruptions, and, if nothing else, embrace that cozy indoor vibe this weekend!
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