Storm's Downpour Threatens Flooding, Avalanches, Mudslides
Posted: 7:23 am PST January 6, 2009Updated: 5:27 pm PST January 6, 2009
SEATTLE -- Forecasters said a Pacific storm has aimed a huge wave of moisture at Washington that has sparked a flood watch for most rivers, could bring up to 15 inches of precipitation in the mountains and 3 to 8 inches of rain to the lowlands, could greatly increase the risk of mudslides and could bring extreme avalanche dangers in the mountains.The storm is also forecast to bring wind to the greater Seattle area, and a wind advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday."We have a lot of water headed in our direction," said Ted Buehner of the National Weather Service. "It doesn't look good at this point."Soil moisture is already moderate after rainfall over the past two weeks, and the multiple inches of rain expected by Thursday will put extra pressure on landslide-prone areas.KIRO 7 Eyewitness News meteorologist Rick VanCise said a combination of heavy rain and higher snow levels of 7,000 to 8,000 feet in the mountains will create rapid rises in rivers and small streams across Western Washington and bring danger of flooding.A flood watch is in effect until Friday for most of Western Washington and there is extreme avalanche danger in the Olympics and Cascades into Wednesday night.
Lewis County Declares Storm Emergency
Snohomish County Prepares For Flooding
"The avalanche danger is as high as it gets," said Buehner.
VIDEO: Residents Near Rivers Get Ready For Possible FloodingForecasters said that in areas outside of Seattle, total rainfall from the storm could be 3 to 8 inches in the lowlands and 10 to 15 inches in the mountains.Asked about the flooding possibilities for the Chehalis-Centralia area, Buehner said, "I-5 may go under water for a period of time."The Weather Service said the landslide threat will extend into the weekend.VanCise said the rain will turn heavier by this evening.The potential for river and small stream flooding will increase Tuesday night and Wednesday.The Weather Service also warned of the load hazard on roofs brought by heavy rain falling on top of structures already covered with snow.The heavy rainfall is expected to end on Thursday.
Lewis County Declares Storm EmergencySnohomish County Prepares For Flooding"The avalanche danger is as high as it gets," said Buehner.
VIDEO: Residents Near Rivers Get Ready For Possible FloodingForecasters said that in areas outside of Seattle, total rainfall from the storm could be 3 to 8 inches in the lowlands and 10 to 15 inches in the mountains.Asked about the flooding possibilities for the Chehalis-Centralia area, Buehner said, "I-5 may go under water for a period of time."The Weather Service said the landslide threat will extend into the weekend.VanCise said the rain will turn heavier by this evening.The potential for river and small stream flooding will increase Tuesday night and Wednesday.The Weather Service also warned of the load hazard on roofs brought by heavy rain falling on top of structures already covered with snow.The heavy rainfall is expected to end on Thursday. Copyright 2009 by KIROTV.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Click here to WIN prizes!
Interactive: Save Money At Grocery Store
Enter The Crazy Creation Contest And Get A Coupon For Free Ice Cream!
Highlights Of Apollo Moon Missions
Students Need To Stay On Budget In College
AP Poll: Americans Consider Pets Family
Do You Know What Alcohol Dependence Is?
