Atmospheric River Threatens Western Washington With 40 Inches of Rain as Winds Strengthen This Weekend
Updated
Updated · MyNorthwest · Nov 12
Atmospheric River Threatens Western Washington With 40 Inches of Rain as Winds Strengthen This Weekend
3 articles · Updated · MyNorthwest · Nov 12
Summary
Late Friday through Sunday, a storm with atmospheric-river characteristics is forecast to bring heavy rain to western Washington, with the strongest winds expected Saturday night into Sunday.
Moisture feeding the system is tied to former Typhoon Cempaka, and forecasters say the coast and areas from Everett northward face the greatest blustery wind risk.
Most rivers remain within their banks after a dry October and early November, so no significant flooding is anticipated into next week, though the Skokomish River remains the most flood-prone exception.
Snow levels are expected to stay above highway passes before easing toward 4,000 feet early next week, while saturated ground and clogged storm drains could still cause ponding and landslide concerns.
November is western Washington's peak month for flood risk, and past atmospheric rivers have dumped 30 to 40 inches in the Cascades and driven major floods across the region.