EVERETT — A flood watch is in effect for all Western Washington, including rivers and streams in Snohomish County.
Heavy rains are expected to begin Saturday afternoon and continue into Sunday, said Carl Cerniglia, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle.
Rivers lag a little behind the rainfall, so the flood watch goes through Monday afternoon, he said.
It was uncertain Thursday night how much rain likely will fall and where. How that plays out will significantly affect flooding conditions, Cerniglia said. People should pay attention over the weekend, and Friday’s forecast should be more precise.
The weather service Thursday listed the Stillaguamish and Snoqualmie rivers as having at least a moderate threat for flooding. Mountain snow is expected to begin melting as the freezing level jumps to 7,000 feet by Saturday.
“We are expecting significant rises in the very least,” Cerniglia said. “It’s best that folks really keep in touch with the latest forecast and watch for warnings.”
The weather service said small streams and storm drains also could see flooding if the rain is heavy enough.
The Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management will be monitoring the storm system all weekend, county spokesman Christopher Schwarzen said Thursday. They expect a better idea Friday as well.
Early projections by the county show potential flooding for the Stillaguamish River and possibly the Skykomish River, he said.
The department encourages people to take precautions as they would for any large storm event. They should clear drains and gutters and make plans in case they get stuck at home or have to leave suddenly, he said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
