SEATTLE — As rain continues this week, rivers are expected to spill over their banks accompanied by gusty winds in some areas.
A flood watch is in effect for many rivers across Western Washington through Friday afternoon. River flooding will be focused over the Olympic Peninsula and for rivers flowing off the North Cascades.
A wind advisory is in effect for areas north of Everett and toward the coast through noon, with gusts in the 50 to 55 mph range. A high wind warning is in effect for the Whidbey Island area and all of the Washington coast until noon, with sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts of 60 to 70 mph in isolated spots.
The heaviest rain Tuesday is expected from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heading into the afternoon, there will be fewer showers with some sun emerging at times. Temperatures will remain very mild with highs in the upper 50s.
Winds will also ease up temporarily during the afternoon and evening.
KIRO 7 meteorologist Morgan Palmer said another system moving in will bring a strong warm front through early Wednesday morning with some areas of heavy rain and more wind.
As the cold front approaches, heavy rain will fall across the area throughout the day. Rainfall totals by Thursday morning will be in the 1 to 3 inch range around Puget Sound. With such heavy rain falling, there is an increased risk of landslides during the middle of the week. In the Olympics and North Cascades, 10 to 15 inches of rain will have fallen by Thursday night or Friday morning.
Another system develops off the Northern California coast Wednesday night, and will be moving north into Western Washington on Thursday.
“It will bring some more showers into the area, but the bigger story will be the potential for strong winds across Puget Sound,” said Palmer.
The weather settles down this weekend with showers tapering off on Friday.
Saturday stays mainly dry with the chance of some showers later Sunday.
Temperatures cool back down into the 40s this weekend.
KIRO
