In case you haven’t noticed yet, we’re having a rainy start to the week here in Seattle—and it won’t let up any time soon. There are four consecutive Weather Alert Days expected from Monday through Thursday in King County. There will be periods of moderate river flooding and a few spots of major flooding, especially on Tuesday. You may even see minor street flooding in Seattle proper at times throughout the week. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible around high tides Tuesday and Wednesday morning in Seattle and other parts of Puget Sound. And last but not least, today’s wind could cause some damage and lead to scattered power outages.
We’ll update this post as needed, as the forecast may change.
Here’s what to know about the current weather advisories in effect for King County this week:
Flood watch
A flood watch remains in effect through Friday afternoon for much of northwest and west-central Washington. Periods of moderate to heavy rain from an incoming atmospheric river may cause sharp rises on rivers, creeks, and streams—especially those draining the Olympics and Cascades. Urban and low-lying areas with poor drainage may also experience flooding as storm drains and ditches clog with debris.
With soils already saturated, the heavy rain could lead to additional issues such as landslides and debris flows, particularly on burn scars. Residents in flood-prone areas should stay alert for possible flood warnings and be prepared to take action if flooding develops.
Landslides
According to the NWS, heavy rain starting today (Monday, December 8) through Wednesday, combined with already saturated soils, will raise the risk of landslides and debris flows across western Washington. Lowland areas may receive 2–6 inches of rain, with 4–10 inches expected in the Olympics and Cascades. Steep bluffs, hillsides, road cuts, and recent burn areas are especially vulnerable, and the risk will remain elevated for several days after the rain ends. For more information about current conditions, visit weather.gov/seattle, select Hydrology, and then scroll down for the links to the landslide information pages.
For more information on landslide hazards, visit the Washington State Department of Natural Resources website.
Wind advisory
A wind advisory is in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. today (Monday, December 8) for parts of northwest and west-central Washington, with south winds of 20–30 mph and gusts up to 40 mph expected. These conditions may blow around unsecured objects, knock down tree limbs, and cause a few power outages. You should charge your devices and secure any outdoor items ASAP. And drivers—especially those in high-profile vehicles—should use extra caution.