Washington, get ready—it’s about to get seriously wet. A major storm system is heading our way, bringing heavy rain, rising rivers, and possible flooding starting Sunday and lasting into early next week. If you live near rivers, low-lying areas, or flood-prone spots, now’s the time to prepare and stay alert.
What’s Going On?
A moisture-packed atmospheric river (basically a long, concentrated stream of water vapor in the air) is setting up over the Pacific Northwest, and it’s going to dump a ton of rain on Washington. This storm will hit late Saturday, with the worst of the rain expected Sunday through Tuesday.
How Much Rain Are We Talking?
Olympic Peninsula – 4 to 7 inches of rain
Cascades & Foothills – 4 to 5 inches
Seattle & Lowland Areas – 1 to 3 inches
That much rain in such a short time means rivers will rise fast, and flooding is a real possibility.
- Flood Watch Issued – The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from Sunday morning through late Tuesday night for several counties, including:
- King
- Pierce
- Snohomish
- Thurston
- Lewis
- Skagit
- Grays Harbor
Which Rivers Could Flood?
These rivers are the biggest concerns right now:
- Skokomish River – Expected to hit flood stage by Saturday.
- Cowlitz River – Water levels rising fast.
- Tolt River (Carnation area) – Could flood low-lying areas.
If you live near any of these rivers, be prepared for fast-moving water and possible road closures.
It’s Not Just the Rain—It’s the Wind Too!
Strong gusty winds could cause power outages, downed trees, and dangerous driving conditions.
Who’s Getting the Worst Winds?
Coastal areas & north of Everett
Gusts up to 45 mph—enough to knock out power and send tree branches flying.
Driving Will Be a Mess—Here’s What You Need to Know
If you must drive during the storm, be extra careful.
- Stay Safe on the Roads:
- Never drive through flooded streets—just a foot of water can sweep your car away.
- Watch for landslides—soaked hillsides can easily give way.
- Expect slowdowns & delays—visibility will be bad, and traffic will be sluggish.
How to Get Ready Before the Storm Hits
- Stay updated. Keep an eye on local weather alerts and emergency updates.
- Prepare for power outages. Charge your devices, grab some batteries, and have flashlights ready.
- Secure loose outdoor items. Lawn chairs, trash cans, and decorations could become flying projectiles.
- If you live in a flood-prone area, make a plan. Have sandbags, emergency supplies, and an evacuation plan ready.
When Does It End?
The heaviest rain should start tapering off Tuesday night, but some rivers could stay flooded for days afterward. By midweek, we might even see a little bit of sunshine—something to look forward to after this soaking!
This isn’t just another rainy Washington weekend—this storm could bring serious flooding, power outages, and dangerous driving conditions. Stay alert, don’t take risks with flooded roads, and be ready just in case.
