Major river flooding expected through Friday across western WA

The second round of heavy rain will send several area rivers over major flood stage Wednesday through Friday, bringing historic floods to some spots.

Here's a timeline of what to expect:

WEDNESDAY – ROUND TWO OF HEAVY RAIN AND WIND

Heavy rain will continue to fall on Wednesday during the daylight hours and it will finally weaken Wednesday night. 1 to 3 inches is possible in the Puget Sound lowlands, but some areas in the rain shadow of the Olympics will see much less. Western Whatcom County and Skagit County will see the most rainfall today in the lowlands. The Olympics and the Cascades will see 4 to 8 inches of rain. Several rivers will push into major flood stage Wednesday and Thursday, with some expected to crest at record high levels.

(FOX 13 Seattle)

Breezy winds will continue through most of the day. Gusts could reach 40-45 mph in the central and south Puget Sound areas and on the Washington Coast. A Wind Advisory remains in effect.

(FOX 13 Seattle)

THURSDAY – MANY RIVERS CREST

Several Western Washington rivers will crest a second time to major flood stage on Thursday. While rain will lighten up considerably, showers will still be falling across Western Washington. The Skagit, Snohomish, Cedar, and Elwha rivers could reach record high crests.

(FOX 13 Seattle)

(FOX 13 Seattle)

(FOX 13 Seattle)

Snow levels will briefly drop Thursday afternoon to around 4,000 feet. This could bring some light snow flurries to Stevens Pass northward.

FRIDAY THROUGH THE WEEKEND

Temperatures will stay mild and snow levels will climb above the passes. Light showers will pick up again Sunday.

(FOX 13 Seattle)

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The Source: Information in this story came from FOX 13 Seattle Meteorologists Brian MacMillan and Abby Acone, and the National Weather Service.

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