Weekend storm packs second punch
Feb 15, 2014, 7:39 PM | Updated: Feb 17, 2014, 6:22 am
Rain and wind hammered areas from Bellingham to Chehalis all weekend with wind advisories both Saturday and Sunday nights.
Officials say a landslide on BNSF tracks caused by heavy rains has halted passenger service between Seattle and Everett.
BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas says the slide struck shortly before midnight about 11 miles north of Seattle.
Crews removed the mud, trees and debris and reopened the line to freight trains. But Melonas says that a 48-hour moratorium on passenger trains along the line has been declared as a precaution.
Gusts measured from 50 to 60 mph with sustained winds ranging from 20 to 30 mph. Scattered power outages were reported, mostly from downed tree limbs.
Rain also soaked the area. The National Weather Service said rainfall may measure over an inch within a 12 hour period in Seattle. Hoquiam measured .81 inches in just a 60 minute period as the front moved through.
Heavy rain in the lowlands means big snow in the Cascade Mountains. Forecasters said they expect anywhere from one to three feet of snow by Monday as the snow level drops to 1,500 feet. A winter storm warning is in effect until noon Monday.
KING 5 meteorologist Keisha Burns said showers and heavy snow in the mountains will continue through about Wednesday. Snow levels could also reach 1,000 feet as temperatures cool. Areas in the foothills could see a dusting.
Burns added the stormy weather should break late next week for a calmer Friday and Saturday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
