Monday marks ‘calm before storm’ ahead of heavy rain, wind across Puget Sound region
Jan 11, 2021, 8:30 AM | Updated: 4:13 pm
The Puget Sound region is in for another wild week of weather, with rain, flooding, wind, and more on the way for the next three days.
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According to the National Weather Service, a system stalled over the region on Monday, producing between 0.25-0.50″ of rain in the interior with up to 1.00″ at the coast.
The NWS says the Skokomish River is expected to reach flood stage Monday night. In the passes, 1-2 feet of snow is expected to fall between Stevens Pass and Mount Baker.
Then, “a third wave arrives Tuesday night into Wednesday morning,” which will likely total between 1 to 3 inches of rainfall in the Puget Sound lowlands. This will bring the risk of flooding to urban areas and rivers, as well as a threat of landslides.
“Tuesday will be our wettest period with rain essentially all day,” the NWS posted in its forecast discussion.
Strong gusts of wind are also expected to arrive alongside “two bouts of heavy rain” between Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. The Seattle area will see gusts between 25 and 30 miles an hour, running the risk of downed power lines and trees.
Gusty winds will accompany two bouts of heavy rain: tonight into Tues AM & again Tues night – Weds AM. The second round looks to be stronger than the first. Strongest winds along the coast & northern inland waters with power outages & tree damage possible! #wawx pic.twitter.com/TzX67UK5r1
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 11, 2021
While this occurs, newly-arrived King Tides will make “minor coastal flooding” a possibility.
“Add in some large waves and gusty winds at the coast and you have hazard beach conditions,” the NWS warns.