UPDATE: Flood warnings were in effect Wednesday for the Skykomish, Snohomish and Stillaguamish rivers in Snohomish County.
The National Weather Service said to expect minor to moderate flooding along those rivers.
Heavy rains pushed the Skykomish above its banks near Gold Bar before daylight. Moderate flooding was expected though Thursday night.
The story was similar along both forks of the Stillaguamish River. High water was expected in the usual low-lying places near Granite Falls, Arlington and Stanwood.
The Snohomish River was expected to crest Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning.
EVERETT — Steady rains and melting snow could be a recipe for Thanksgiving flooding in Snohomish County.
A soggy plume of warm subtropical moisture is expected to push temperatures into the 60s around the Puget Sound region, possible record highs for those days in November, according to the National Weather Service.
Given a decent early snowpack in the mountains, holiday travelers should be ready for sloppy roads in the passes. Snow levels will rise to 8,000 feet through Thursday, before dipping almost a mile in elevation by Black Friday.
This time of year, wet heat means rising rivers and the threat of landslides in Western Washington. Meteorologists put out a flood watch for 4 p.m. Tuesday until dinnertime Thanksgiving Day, for area rivers.
In the lowlands of Snohomish County, most of the usual suspects are forecast to come up inches short of overflowing. The Snohomish River could flood in or near the city of Snohomish. Upstream, the Skykomish could flood at Gold Bar. Meanwhile in the north part of the county the Stillaguamish River is expected to spike in the early morning hours Wednesday, but it should come about a foot short of problematic in Arlington.
Any flooding here should — should — be minor. However, things can change fast. Emergency responders are warning people to be alert if they’re visiting riverfront property over the long weekend. Just south in King County, the Snoqualmie River likely will bring minor floods near Carnation and Snoqualmie Falls.
Saturated soil heightens the risk of mudslides. The risk will rise later in the week, according to the weather service.
“We always pay extra attention when we get a lot of moisture,” said Dara Salmon, deputy director of the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management. “We ask people to be aware of the land around them.”
Almost two inches of rain fell Tuesday on the Mountain Loop Highway, in a region prone to slides.
The whole western half of the state will be socked with rain and drizzle through the long weekend, with brief breaks Wednesday morning and Friday. Travelers are encouraged to keep an emergency kit in their cars, Salmon said, to be ready for worst-case scenarios.
Caleb Hutton: 425-339-3454; chutton@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @snocaleb.
Want to keep an eye on river levels?
Snohomish County flood gauges: snohomish.onerain.com/home.php
River forecasts from the National Weather Service: water.weather.gov/ahps
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