Seattle, WA – Dark clouds gather over Puget Sound as the Pacific opens its floodgates, sending a steady stream of moisture toward the coast. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for much of Western Washington, including the Seattle metro area, from late Sunday night through Friday afternoon, as a powerful atmospheric river sets up over the region.
Forecasters say this extended stretch of rain could bring 2 to 3 inches or more across the lowlands, with sharper rises on area rivers, especially near the Olympics and Cascades. Minor urban and small-stream flooding is likely in neighborhoods with poor drainage, while saturated hillsides could lead to localized landslides and debris flows.
Motorists should prepare for standing water on major roadways such as I-5, Highway 2, and I-405, particularly during heavy downpours. Plan extra time if traveling between Tacoma, Everett, and Seattle this week — wet pavement and ponding could slow the morning commute.
The Flood Watch follows a series of early-December systems that have kept soil moisture high across Western Washington. Meteorologists expect rainfall to peak Monday through Wednesday, with only limited breaks before another system arrives late in the week.
Five-Day Outlook (Seattle, WA)
Sunday: Rain developing late, high 53°F, low 49°F.
Monday: Steady rain, high 56°F, low 47°F.
Tuesday: Rain continues, high 52°F, low 47°F.
Wednesday: Cloudy, showers likely, high 54°F.
Thursday: Rain tapering off, high 54°F, low 46°F.
