Heavy rains mean heightened risk of flooding, landslides
The never-ending rain could bring more than griping this week — along with flooding rivers and landslides.
On Tuesday, a landslide in Tacoma closed Marine View Drive about a mile northwest of East 11th Street.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch through early Wednesday in Pierce, King and Mason counties and warned that moderate to heavy rains could cause minor flooding on some rivers.
The White River at R Street near Auburn appears most at risk.
Early Tuesday, it was flowing at 4,845 cubic feet per second. Flood flow in that area of the river is 5,500 cfs. It is expected to crest at 11 a.m. Thursday with 6,642 cfs.
Areas most likely affected are upstream of the A Street Bridge in Auburn and near Government Canal and Butte Avenue in Pacific.
The Skokomish River might see minor flooding Wednesday.
The Olympics and Cascades are forecast to get 1 to 2 inches of rain Tuesday and 2 to 3 1/2 inches Wednesday and Thursday.
“This amount of rain could drive the more flood-prone rivers in the watch area above flood stage,” the Weather Service said.
Rain remains in the forecast through the week, though Sunday and Monday look drier.
Yes, it's wet out there, but Seattle just had its warmest night in 115 days with an overnight low of 48. Spring is that you? #wawx
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) March 14, 2017
Stacia Glenn: 253-597-8653
This story was originally published March 14, 2017 at 1:14 PM with the headline "Heavy rains mean heightened risk of flooding, landslides."