EVERETT – Heavy rain forecast overnight and today for Western Washington has Snohomish County officials bracing for flooding on each of the area’s rivers.
Rainfall of 2 to 6 inches in the lowlands and 6 to 10 inches in the mountains was forecast between Sunday night and Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for 12 counties.
Traditional flood-prone areas in Snohomish County face rising water, officials said.
If the predicted 6 to 9 inches of rain dumps on the Cascade foothills, it will work its way to the Skykomish, Stillaguamish and Snohomish rivers, Snohomish County emergency management deputy director Chris Badger said.
“It appears they’re all going to hit flood stage,” and moderate to major flooding is possible. “That means the water will actually go past the farmlands that usually hold it, and over roads and farther out than lower pasture land,” she said.
Officials recommend livestock be moved to higher ground.
Urban flooding is likely and depends on plugged storm drains and how much rain the drain system handles, she said.
Drivers should steer away from roads covered by water to avoid floating away with a floodwater’s current, Badger said.
Emergency coordinators predicted:
* The Skykomish River near Gold Bar might rise to flood stage around noon today, and crest near 19 feet about 10 p.m. That could cause flooding from Index through Sultan.
* The Snohomish River near Monroe might rise to flood stage mid-day today, cresting near 18 feet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Several roads and low pasture land in the river valley might be affected.
* The Snohomish River in Snohomish might rise to flood stage around 10 tonight, cresting near 29 feet around 10 a.m. Tuesday. Old Snohomish-Monroe Highway and the lower Snohomish Valley not protected by levees might be affected.
* The South Fork of the Stillaguamish River is expected to go to flood stage mid-day, and crest at 15 feet around 10 p.m. At Arlington, the river might reach flood stage by mid-afternoon and crest at 17.5 feet around 11 p.m. Many roads in the river valley including Marine Drive, Norman Road, Hat Slough and roads south of Stanwood might be affected.
On Sunday, crews trucked sandbag materials to the Snohomish Fire Station on Maple Avenue, Sultan Old Duty Hall, Darrington Fire Department, Oso Mill and Robe Fire Station.
To volunteer with sandbagging, call 425-388-5060.
Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.
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