The National Weather Service in Seattle issued a Hydrologic Outlook earlier today, warning of an increased threat of river flooding across portions of Northwest Washington and the Olympic Peninsula, as an atmospheric river is expected to douse the region with significant rainfall tomorrow and Wednesday.
Citizens in western Washington could witness rivers rushing into flood stage, due to an atmospheric phenomenon set to deliver from 4 to 7 inches of rain over the Olympic Peninsula, where snow levels might skyrocket to the realms between 7,000 and 8,000 feet; forecast models, while fraught with variability, caution of a downpour tallying up to 8 inches or possibly more, with such deluges aimed squarely over the Olympics in a short period of less than 36 hours, as stated by the National Weather Service.
The deluge will not only affect the Olympic Peninsula but also the northern and central Cascades where the forecast hints at up to 5 inches of precipitation through Wednesday. UVexposed Seattleites, competitors to cloudy skies, must brace for the intermittent drizzle's crescendo into a chorus of full-fledged rainfall, especially with Tuesday's murky curtain rising to a forecasted high near 51 with steadfast southeasterly winds.
The Skokomish River is "currently forecast to enter moderate flood stage by Wednesday," alongside a vigilant watch on other waterways that might swell beyond their banks, while city streets and creeks could see flooding from the relentless rain beating down Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, the Hydrologic Outlook could further materialize with predictions signaling a procession of more moisture late in the week, which could inflict additional burdens on already surging rivers.
More precipitation slated for the end of the week could exacerbate existing concerns, as Seattle gears up for a series of soggy days; thus, local residents and officials remain on alert and the National Weather Service advises everyone to stay current with the latest river forecasts for additional information.
