'Wettest weather in years:' Flood watch issued for 3-6" rain in western Washington
SEATTLE -- Western Washington is getting walloped with rain -- and Thursday was only the beginning.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of western Washington from 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday evening.
Q13 News Meteorologist Walter Kelley said this is some of the wettest weather the Seattle area has seen in years.
About 3 to 6 inches of rainfall is expected by Saturday, along with heavy snow and possibly freezing rain in the mountains.
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Meanwhile, heavy snow was falling in the Cascades on Thursday. Chains were required on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass.
An avalanche warning was issued for Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and much of the Cascade Mountains.
Gusty winds around 30 mph can be expected through Friday, with even higher gusts along the Washington coast.
Urban flooding is very likely, especially bridge underpasses and clogged drains right during the Friday morning commute. Please drive with care and clear your storm drains if you can.
Friday will be wet and rain is expected to continue through Saturday afternoon.
Rivers will be running high and fast, but major flooding is not expected. A river like the Skokomish will flood and we should keep our eyes on rivers like the Snoqualmie, and the Tolt should be monitored as we head into the weekend.
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Be sure to watch Q13 News This Morning 4:30-10 a.m. and Q13 News at 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 & 11 p.m. for updates. Our 8 and 9 p.m. newscasts can be seen on JOEtv (cable 10/ch. 22).
You can also download the free Q13 News app and enable push notifications to be alerted to severe weather and road closures.
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