Seattle is currently grappling with a relentless barrage of rain that has led the National Weather Service to issue a series of flood watches and warnings across the region. Amid the continued downpour, concerns over flooding and landslides have mounted, prompting officials and residents to remain vigilant. According to a Flood Watch by the National Weather Service Seattle WA, the affected counties include King, Lewis, and Pierce.
The latest forecast continues to project rain with a 90% chance of precipitation, and gusts reaching as high as 25 mph. The cumulative effect of the ongoing rainfall is significantly increasing the threat of landslides across the western Washington region. Residents faced with this deluge are urged to stay informed and to be ready to quickly adapt to rapidly changing conditions. The NWS has advised that "Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop."
Specifically, the Green River near Auburn has seen flood warnings due to a dam floodgate release. The latest NWS statement indicates that while no flooding is currently forecast, river flow is expected to remain steady into the afternoon before beginning to decrease. Consequently, a phase 2 flood level may occur in the King County flood system if the river exceeds 7,000.0 cfs. As of early this morning, the flow was reported at 8,880.0 cfs.
Additionally, the White River at R Street Bridge is experiencing minor flooding, with authorities warning of potential impacts around Auburn, Pacific, and Sumner. The flow, as last reported, was at 8,380.0 cfs, which is above the flood flow of 7,500.0 cfs. The river, having recently peaked, is expected to gradually fall, but it will remain above flood flow throughout the day. Motorists are being cautioned not to drive around barricades or through flooded areas, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
A Special Weather Statement further emphasizes the landslide risk, pointing out that "Significant rainfall over the past week has increased soil moisture to high levels across western Washington." This factor, combined with the added weight from more rainfall, is prime to potentially trigger further landslides and debris flows. The statement alerts readers to the heightened risk in steep areas and recent burn sites, yet notes that the landslide threat should decrease several days after the rains cease.
For those seeking more information on the situation, the NWS urges a visit to its safety page focused on flood information. As the region braces for this extended period of inclement weather, officials and community members are coming together to mitigate risks and ensure that everyone has the necessary information to stay safe and prepared. For ongoing updates, residents can continue to check out forecasts and advisories from the National Weather Service.
