Washington Braces for Dangerous Overnight Flooding as Atmospheric River Brings 2–4 Inches of Heavy Rain and Rising Landslide Risk

WASHINGTON — A powerful atmospheric river is set to bring another 2 to 4 inches of heavy rain overnight into Thursday morning, prompting urgent concerns about significant flooding, historic river rises, and rapidly increasing landslide risks across western Washington.

Forecasters warn that saturated ground, already-swollen rivers, and persistent rainfall will combine to create hazardous conditions from the Olympic Peninsula through the Seattle metro area, extending eastward toward the Cascade foothills.

Atmospheric River Continues Overnight With More Heavy Rainfall Expected

Meteorologists say the atmospheric river currently impacting the region will remain in place through the night, delivering a new surge of moisture and steady, heavy rainfall. Areas highlighted on updated flood-risk maps include:

• Olympic National Park and the surrounding lowlands
• Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and the Puget Sound region
• North Cascades National Park and foothill communities
• Coastal areas from Port Angeles to South Bend

Rainfall totals of 2–4 inches will fall on top of precipitation that has been accumulating for days, creating conditions ripe for rapid runoff and flash flooding.

Significant Flooding and Historic River Rises Expected

Officials warn that many Washington rivers are already nearing or exceeding flood stages. With additional rainfall overnight, historic river rises are possible, particularly in basins that collect runoff from both mountains and lowlands.

Flooding is expected in:

• Urban neighborhoods with poor drainage
• Low-lying rural areas and farmland
• Roads adjacent to rivers and streams

Travelers are urged to avoid flooded roadways, as conditions may worsen suddenly.

Landslide Risk Increasing Across Saturated Terrain

With soils fully saturated after days of rain, the risk of landslides and slope failures is rapidly increasing. Hillside neighborhoods, road embankments, and areas near steep terrain are most vulnerable.

Local officials advise residents to watch for:

• Cracking ground
• Leaning trees
• Unusual sounds from shifting soil

Any signs of slope instability should be reported immediately.

Communities Urged to Prepare for Overnight Impacts

Emergency management officials are advising residents to:

• Clear storm drains near homes
• Move vehicles to higher ground
• Prepare for possible road closures
• Monitor official alerts throughout the night

While the heaviest rainfall is expected overnight, flooding impacts may persist into Thursday as rivers continue to rise.

More Updates Expected as the Situation Evolves

Authorities will continue monitoring rainfall rates, river gauges, and landslide reports throughout the night. Additional warnings and advisories may be issued as conditions develop.

For ongoing coverage of severe weather events across Washington and the region, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.