Seattle, WA – A Flood Advisory is in effect for portions of western Washington this afternoon as steady rainfall leads to ponding of water and minor flooding, according to the National Weather Service Seattle.
The advisory, which runs until 3:15 p.m. PST Friday, covers King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, Kitsap, and Mason counties. The NWS says the second in a series of rainstorms is producing a nearly stationary zone of light to moderate rainfall, allowing totals to accumulate quickly.
According to the NWS, between 0.8 and 1.5 inches of rain have already fallen across the region, with an additional 0.5 to 1 inch expected through the afternoon. The continued rainfall will cause urban and small stream flooding, especially in low-lying spots and areas with poor drainage.
Forecasters say motorists should expect water over roadways, nuisance flooding, and rapidly forming areas of ponding in busy urban centers. Communities expected to experience flooding include Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Edmonds, Bremerton, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish, Lacey, Lynnwood, and several surrounding towns.
The NWS advises residents to use caution, noting that even shallow water can hide hazards. Drivers are urged not to drive through flooded roads and to be aware of rapidly changing conditions as the rain continues.
