EVERETT — Warm, “juicy” air coming in from the west could spell flooding for multiple rivers in Snohomish County.
A storm system that started moving in Wednesday is expected to keep up until mid-day Thursday.
The storm has “a subtropical moisture tap, meaning warm, juicier air is plowing into the region,” said Dennis D’Amico, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle.
A flood warning was issued Wednesday afternoon for the Skykomish River near Gold Bar. The river was expected to rise above flood stage late Wednesday night and crest about 5 p.m. Thursday. Low-lying pastures and roads could be affected.
The warning also was in place for the north fork of the Stillaguamish River near Arlington. The north fork and the main stem of the river are at warning status, but the south fork is expected to stay below flood stage. The river is expected to crest around 11 a.m. Thursday and fall back Thursday night.
Arlington city officials were keeping a close eye on things Wednesday, city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said.
The Silvana area also is expected to flood along Norman Road and in Florence.
Major flooding also was predicted for the Snohomish River and is expected to spill into smaller streams and tributaries. If rainfall follows the forecast, Monroe could see major flooding through Friday and Snohomish would still see flooding until Saturday.
The right shoulder of the eastbound U.S. 2 trestle in Everett will be closed Wednesday night and at least part of Thursday, transportation officials said. Drivers are asked to use caution, as a crane will be placed in the shoulder in case of flooding. The crane can be used if emergencies arise such as logs getting stuck against the trestle’s structure.
The crane could be removed Thursday but it may stay longer if it’s needed, officials said.
The National Weather Service advises people to keep an eye on reports Thursday and Friday as river levels and weather conditions could change quickly.
Stevens Pass also has an avalanche warning in place. The pass Thursday is expected to have a high avalanche danger above 4,000 feet and considerable danger below that. The warning should taper off Thursday afternoon and evening, according to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center.
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