More rain will add to a record-breaking December in Western Washington
Dec 10, 2015, 5:25 AM | Updated: 12:54 pm
National Weather Service Meteorologist Kirby Cook says he expects between a quarter to half inch of rain today along with breezy conditions. (Jillian Raftery/KIRO Radio)
(Jillian Raftery/KIRO Radio)
The threat of landslides and flooding remains as forecasts predict more rain in Western Washington.
Though rainfall won’t be as heavy as it was earlier this week, the National Weather Service predicts additional rain in the region for the next three days.
A flood warning continues for several rivers, including: Snohomish River near Monroe, Snoqualmie River near Carnation, Cedar River at Renton, and Green River near Auburn. Roads throughout the region remain closed due to flooding and mudslides. Highway 2 near Leavenworth and Highway 12 at White Pass are closed.
The National Weather Service in Seattle said Wednesday night that the 5.96 inches of rain recorded at Sea-Tac this month makes it the wettest first nine days in December on record.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Kirby Cook says he expects between a quarter to half inch of rain today along with breezy conditions. He says to expect more rain over the weekend, but nothing like we’ve seen the past few days.
The added moisture to soil will make it increasingly unstable and keep the threat of landslides elevated, according to the weather service. Several landslides have been reported after the last storm blew in Tuesday.
Puget Sound Energy reports 21,236 customers remain without power from the last storm.
Rain is expected up until 10 a.m. today, with occasional showers for the rest of the day, according to the weather service. Wind from the south will be 15 to 21 MPH, with gusts as high as 31 MPH. A wind advisory has been issued for several cities and counties.
Check WSDOT’s complete list of road closures
Showers will continue Thursday night.
Snow levels could drop to 2,500 feet during the day, the weather service reports. Up to 12 inches of snow is possible at higher elevation.
The next storm adds to the severe weather that has contributed to the destruction of several homes, forcing Washington Governor Jay Inslee to declare a state of emergency.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
