Seattle weather Stormy atmospheric river to drench Western WA

An atmospheric river is poised to drench the Seattle area with up to an inch of rain by Monday, raising concerns about flooding and landslides in Western Washington. According to Jeff Michalski from the National Weather Service, the Cascade and Olympic mountains will bear the brunt of the rainfall, while snow levels are expected to hover around 6,000 feet, prompting an avalanche warning. Although Seattle is not in danger of river flooding, a flood watch is currently in effect for many counties, emphasizing the potential for flooding on smaller rivers. Residents should stay vigilant for rising river levels and possible ponding on roadways. Michalski points out that this weather event is particularly notable following a dry January and a cold February, reflecting the variability of winter in the region.

Gusty winds could exacerbate the situation, with sustained winds potentially exceeding 40 mph and gusts reaching near 60 mph, raising the risk of power outages. However, there is a silver lining, as temperatures are projected to rise to nearly 60 degrees by the middle of next week. This transition from winter storms to milder weather could provide some relief for residents.