SEATTLE, Wash. – Heavy rain could create flooding concerns across western Washington late Friday night into Saturday, with urban streets, small streams, and mountain trails among the most vulnerable.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, a frontal system is expected to drop 3 to 5 inches of rain across the Cascades and Olympics through Saturday afternoon. Lower elevations, including the Seattle metro, will see between half an inch and 1.5 inches. After a stretch of very dry weather, soils are too hard to absorb rainfall quickly, increasing the risk of flash flooding and runoff.
Urban flooding is possible in flat areas and low-lying roadways. Small streams and creeks could swell rapidly, while rivers are expected to rise to unusually high levels for August, some approaching daily records. Hikers and campers in mountain areas may encounter washed-out trails and forest roads made impassable by high water.
Emergency managers warn that even recent burn scars in western Washington carry a small chance of flash flooding and debris flows. Drivers are urged to avoid water-covered roads and prepare for slower commutes.
Rain chances taper by Saturday night, with drier weather returning Sunday. Additional updates may follow if rainfall totals trend higher.
Five Day Forecast for Seattle, WA
- Saturday: Chance of rain, high near 75. Showers linger overnight, low near 59.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 75. Low near 58 at night, mostly cloudy.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high near 75. Low near 58.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 75. Low near 59 at night.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 77.
