Rain showers hit Western Washington Monday morning as another atmospheric river drenches the state.
The National Weather Service said Monday that the storm will continue through Wednesday, with about 2 to 4 inches of rain expected in foothill areas and 4 to 6 inches on higher ground. That will likely shift to snow in the mountains, including in the passes such as Snoqualmie and Stevens.
“Moderate to locally heavy rain and gusty winds will persist through the day before a trailing cold front sweeps through by early this evening with rain turning to showers and isolated thunderstorms,” NWS said in an update Monday morning.
The forecast also shows high winds for at least the first half of the week. The coast may get hit by gusts that reach 55 mph and inland areas may feel 45-mph gusts on Monday, peaking through midafternoon. A wind advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. Monday for much of the region, including Seattle.
Strong winds are again expected on Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday.
“And this one has some worrisome wind potential with it,” NWS said. “When combined with saturated soils already in place, the threat of fallen trees increases.”
A high wind watch will be in effect for the lowlands Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, with gusts of 55 mph possible for the interior and 65 mph along the coast.
The National Weather Service also has flood warnings in effect for the following rivers due to more rainfall:
- Cedar River at Renton and near Landsburg.
- Green River near Auburn.
- White River near Mud Mountain and at the R Street Bridge in Auburn.
- Skokomish River at Potlatch.
- Skagit River near Concrete and Mount Vernon.
- Cowlitz River below Mayfield Dam affecting Lewis County
- Stehekin River at Stehekin.
