Flood watch: More than a foot of rain expected in mountains, some rivers already over banks



SEATTLE — A series of strong weather fronts with high winds and heavy rains could lead to flooding and landslides this week in Western Washington.

The National Weather Service expects as much as 14 inches of rain between Monday and Thursday in the Olympics. And they expect as much as 13 inches of rain in the North Cascades.

Forecasters have already issued flood warnings on the Bogachiel, Elwha and Skokomish rivers. They are watching for flooding on the Skagit, Nooksack, Puyallup and Stillaguamish rivers. And there's a chance of flooding on the Chehalis and Satsop rivers.

The Skokomish River began to swell overnight and by early Tuesday morning, flood waters were across roads such as West Skokomish Valley Road. Some areas are already difficult for smaller cars to get through.

Temperatures are above normal with the snow level in the mountains above 7,000 feet. Saturated soils will bring the risk of mudslides while winds could topple trees.



But people in the area around the Skokomish River area used to heavy rains.

"Keep an eye on the computer to let us know how deep it might get," area resident Dave Rose said. Rose lives along the roadway threatened with closure as the flood waters continue to rise.

Dave Carrow, another Shelton resident, says Monday is only the beginning.

"As of right now it's not even bad," Carrow said.

Cooler, drier weather is expected for the weekend.

The Associated Press contributed to this report