Flood Watch Issued for Western Washington Amid Heavy Rainfall

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for Skagit County and several other areas in western Washington, including major cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. This alert comes as heavy rains are forecasted to continue through Wednesday, with estimates of 2 to 6 inches of rainfall expected across the region.

The Skagit River, which reached a peak of just under 38 feet last Friday, is currently at approximately 36 feet. Officials anticipate that water levels will rise again due to the ongoing precipitation. Last week, the river's flooding led to road closures and neighborhood inundations, prompting the activation of the National Guard and the rescue of at least nine individuals over two days.

In Mount Vernon and Concrete, a Flood Warning remains in effect for the Skagit River. The NWS has cautioned that urban and small stream flooding is possible in areas with poor drainage, and that saturated soils increase the risk of landslides and debris flows.

Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to stay informed and prepare for potential evacuations. The NWS emphasizes the importance of monitoring local weather updates and heeding instructions from emergency management officials.