National Weather Service issues Flood Watch for Western Washington


March 30, 2011 · Updated 10:00 AM 

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The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for parts of Western Washington, including Snohomish County.

The Flood Watch, issued on Wednesday, March 30, states that "a strong Pacific storm system will bring periods of heavy rain to the coast and mountains of Western Washington today through at least Thursday morning."

Areas affected by the Flood Watch include Clallam, Jefferson, Skagit, Whatcom, King, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Snohomish and Thurston counties.

The Flood Watch also states, "The rivers under the greatest threat of flooding are the ones that flow out of the central Cascades. These include, but are not limited to, the Snoqualmie, Snohomish and Stillaguamish. Flooding could start as early as late this afternoon on the upper reaches of the Snoqualmie. The is a chance the Snohomish River will reach major flood. The Skokomish River in Mason County will also likely flood, possibly as early as late tonight."

The Flood Watch adds that rainfall totals are predicted to range from 4-7 inches in the central Cascades and up to 5 inches in the Olympics.

A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding by flooding is not imminent or occurring. Monitor the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service and be ready to act quickly if flooding is observed or a warning is issued.

Click here to check the real-time river levels.

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