EVERETT — Heavy rain is expected to spur Snohomish County rivers over their banks, with the potential for major flooding on the Snohomish and Skykomish rivers by Wednesday morning.
The rain, accompanied by high wind, is expected to continue to pummel the area through Sunday with few breaks, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.
The rainfall likely will cause major to moderate flooding along several rivers, meteorologist Andy Haner said.
The forecast calls for major flooding along the Snohomish and Skykomish rivers. Moderate and mild flooding is predicted for the Stillaguamish River system.
The Skykomish River was forecast to reach major flood stage near Gold Bar and crest around 4 a.m. Wednesday. Flooding was expected from Index through Sultan. High water was likely to reach downtown Sultan and cover most roads in the Tualco Valley near Monroe, Haner said.
Low-lying Mann and Ben Howard roads reportedly were already submerging by Tuesday afternoon.
The rising Snohomish River near Monroe and Snohomish could cause severe flooding of homes, farmland and roads in the Snohomish River Valley. Major levee damage is also possible, Haner said.
The forecast calls for moderate flooding along the main-stem and North Fork Stillaguamish rivers near Arlington. Residential flooding is possible near Silvana, Norman, Florence, Stanwood, Cicero and Swede Heaven areas. Water could cover parts of Highway 530, Pioneer Highway, Marine Drive, Oso Loop Road and locations along Norman Road.
Minor flooding is expected along the South Fork Stillaguamish River near Granite Falls.
Heather Kelly, a spokeswoman for the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management, said people should be prepared to leave flood-prone areas and move their belongings out of the water’s way.
Heavy winds are also expected.
On Tuesday afternoon, winds were gusting to about 23 mph at Paine Field. They were expected to die down to a moderate breeze by Tuesday evening before picking up Wednesday. Winds strong enough to knock down trees and cause power outages are expected Thursday morning.
Downed power lines prompted the closure on Tuesday of 240th Street NE in Arlington from 115th to 118th avenues NE. In Mill Creek, 35th Avenue SE was closed due to water over the road, from 139th to 141st streets SE.
As of late afternoon, some lanes of U.S. 2 were closed due to a mudslide just west of Stevens Pass.
Kelly encouraged people to stay safe during the storm by avoiding driving through standing water and keeping clear of downed power lines.
“Be aware, pay attention and be prepared,” she said.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
Flood resources
National Weather Service weather maps and forecasts: tinyurl.com/23dnazm
Snohomish County flood status and river levels map: gismaps.snoco.org/fws
Snohomish County road closures: tinyurl.com/pekcj92
Flood safety tips: floodsafety.noaa.gov
Snohomish and Island counties school closures: http://tinyurl.com/ngyl9gf.
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