Heavy wind, rain to move through Western Washington

Published 1:30 am Thursday, January 3, 2019

EVERETT — Rivers in Snohomish and Skagit counties could flood if rain is heavier than expected, officials said Wednesday.

Heavy showers and wind might move through the area Thursday. Predictions show that Darrington could get up to six inches of rain. The Everett area might see about an inch.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather warning in the Cascade Range on Thursday and Friday, at elevations above 3,500 feet. About a foot of snow could fall Wednesday night.

The Stillaguamish River is not anticipated to flood, but it might get close, according to the weather service. It’s the only Snohomish County river included in the flood watch. The forecast Wednesday showed that water would be highest Friday.

Other nearby rivers that could flood include the Skagit and Samish in Skagit County.

A wind advisory also was issued through Thursday evening. Officials predict that the coast might receive the worst of it, including those who live in Island County.

Breezes could be strong enough to topple trees and create power outages. Gusts could reach 55 mph Thursday, the weather service said.

The storm isn’t expected to be as strong as the one that blew through Western Washington just before Christmas.

Thousands of people were left without power for days. Fallen trees closed roads, including Highway 92 at Callow Road in Lake Stevens. A 66 mph blast was recorded at Paine Field in Everett.

Stephanie Davey: 425-339-3192; sdavey@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @stephrdavey.