Seattle, WA – A prolonged stretch of wet and stormy weather is setting up across Western Washington, with forecasters warning of multiple hazards—including heavy rain, mountain snow, strong winds, and the potential for river flooding—through next week. The National Weather Service in Seattle released a detailed timeline Friday outlining expected impacts from Friday through Thursday.
According to the NWS, rain, mountain snow, coastal flooding, and breezy winds will continue through Saturday as a system moving into the region delivers widespread precipitation. Snow levels will remain high before dropping Saturday night, allowing accumulating snow at higher passes. Minor coastal flooding is also possible along Whidbey Island, the north interior, and Strait-facing communities.
Another system arrives Sunday, bringing renewed rain and mountain snow, keeping travel across interior mountain passes challenging.
On Monday, an atmospheric river is forecast to push into Washington, bringing widespread moderate to heavy rainfall. Sharp rises are likely on many rivers, with winds increasing along the coast and north interior. Elevated landslide and burn-scar flooding risks accompany the event.
The most significant flooding threat is expected Tuesday into Wednesday as heavy rain persists. Many rivers could rise above flood stage, with Western Washington seeing the most widespread flooding during this period.
By Thursday and beyond, river flooding may continue even as rainfall begins a gradual decline. The severity will depend on how quickly rivers respond and how saturated soils become over the weekend.
Drivers and residents across western and northern Washington are urged to monitor forecasts closely and prepare for disruptions, especially near flood-prone areas.
