What a soaking!  1.76 inches of rain at Sea-Tac yesterday was enough to set a new daily rainfall record.  We shattered the previous record of 1.14 inches set back in 2001.  With persistent rain overnight, there has been a lot of standing water on the roads for the morning commute.  An Urban Flood Advisory is in effect for the Puget Sound lowlands through early this afternoon.  Flood Warnings are in effect for the Skokomish, Puyallup, Newaukum, and Stillaguamish Rivers.  The Stillaguamish is expected to crest around 4 p.m. near Arlington; minor flooding is forecast. 

Over the past 48 hours we have picked up an impressive amount of rain across Puget Sound.  Bremerton has received over 6 inches of rain, Seattle nearly 2.5 inches, Tacoma over 2.5 inches, and Olympia has seen around 4 inches.  Rain is tapering off this morning with only a few lingering showers this afternoon and evening.  Temperatures will be running in the upper 40s this afternoon.

The dry break later today is only temporary because another storm is moving in tomorrow.  You can see it on the satellite image to the south of the Aleutian Islands. Increasing wind, rain, and mountain snow are in the Thanksgiving forecast.  Wind will start picking up tomorrow morning with the strongest wind expected along the coast and north of Everett.  That is where a High Wind Watch has been issued with gusts up to 60 mph possible tomorrow.  Winds are peaking during the afternoon, so if you’re in those windy spots you might want to put the turkey in the oven early.  We have all experienced or heard stories about finishing the bird outside on the barbeque!   

Rain and mountain snow will also be heaviest during the afternoon and evening.  If you have to travel over the Cascade passes, today and tomorrow morning will be your best bet.  Heavy snow is expected Thursday afternoon, so you may experience some delays as you head to Grandma’s house.  A Winter Storm Watch is taking effect for the Cascades tomorrow where 8 to 12 inches of snow is forecast for the Cascade passes. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

-Sam Argier, KIRO 7 morning Meteorologist