Heavy rains in the Cascade Mountains are expected to raise river levels around Snohomish County this week, possibly leading to flooding.
The National Weather Service in Seattle issued a flood watch for the county Monday afternoon. It remains in effect through Wednesday night.
Up to 6 inches of rain are predicted in the mountains, and at least half an inch in the lowlands, between Monday night and Thursday morning.
Coupled with high snow levels, the rainfall could cause some of the county’s rivers to overflow their banks.
The most likely culprits include the Stillaguamish, Snoqualmie, Snohomish and Skagit rivers, according to the weather service.
Other rivers also are expected to run high this week, and the list of flood threats could change.
A flood watch means flooding is possible but not imminent. However, the weather service urges people to be prepared to act swiftly in case the watch is upgraded to a flood warning. If a warning is issued for any of the rivers, people in the area should move to higher ground as quickly as possible.
As people travel for Thanksgiving, drivers should avoid crossing through water on roadways. Most vehicles can be swept away in less than two feet of water.
Flood watches are also in place for Skagit, Whatcom, King, Lewis and Pierce counties.
Updated flooding and weather information is available online at www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew. The weather service also tweets new watches and warnings @NWSSeattle.
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