Record rain, darkness: Seattle braces for floods, mudslides

Western Washington is still at risk for flooding, mudslides and avalanches after record rainfall and darkness hit Seattle on Friday.

Friday was the wettest day in Seattle in the past 10 years, and the most rain recorded for Dec. 20 since record-keeping at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport began in 1945. Follow this link to see photos.

There were 3.25 inches of rain on Friday -- the fifth rainiest day in city history, going on the Sea-Tac records. See flooding updates here.

Friday also broke a record for measured sunlight in Seattle. The University of Washington recorded just 0.37 million Joules of solar radiation, the lowest level of sun energy measured since the university started counting over the past 20 years.

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There was a flood watch for Western Washington through Sunday evening. Rivers in King and Snohomish counties are expected to crest and slowly recede Saturday

Authorities warned drivers not to go through flooded areas saying it’s the cause of most flood related deaths in Washington.

Seattle also broke a daily rainfall record on Thursday with 2.91 inches of rain, making it the 11th wettest day recorded at the airport.

Snow also was falling in areas above 3,000 feet in elevation. The weather service issued a back country avalanche warning for the Mount Baker area for Saturday.

The low-lying areas of the northern Oregon coast also were at risk for flooding. Astoria saw 3.42 inches of rain on Friday, breaking a record set 113 years ago.

Information from KIRO 7 staff is included in this report.

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