Atmospheric River Brings New Flood Risks To Puget Sound Next Week
SEATTLE Meteorologists are monitoring an upcoming streak of wet weather, which could dump several inches of rain over Western Washington between Saturday and Tuesday. While Friday will be cloudy, widespread precipitation is not expected to pick up until Saturday afternoon, kicking off a series of systems lasting into the middle of next week.
The National Weather Service's Seattle office said Western Washington can expect a "prolonged period of wet and active weather," capped by an atmospheric river event that could push rivers to various flood stages, impacting low-lying roadways and other areas with poor drainage.
On the upside, forecasters expect the incoming atmospheric river will be less intense than the last, which pushed some waterways into their major flood stages. However, with a few inches of rain still expected, flood-prone areas should prepare for some impacts.
"Despite the weaker parameters at this time, area rivers will respond, with the most responsive rivers (i.e. the Skokomish) likely reaching flood stage as at least 3 to 6 inches of rain occurs from Saturday night through Monday night," wrote Justin Pullin, a lead forecaster at NWS Seattle. "The active and wet pattern will persist through much of next week...with progressive frontal systems bringing quick shots of rain and mountain snow to the region."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/atmospheric-river-brings-new-flood-risks-to-puget-sound-next-week/ar-AAUU4UY