Washington State Braces for Major Flooding as 2–8 Inches of Rain Expected Monday Through Thursday
WASHINGTON — A Flood Watch has been issued for all of Western Washington, where multiple rounds of heavy rainfall from Monday through Thursday are expected to drop 2 to 8 inches of rain, dramatically increasing the likelihood of widespread flooding and renewed river rises across the region.
Heavy Rainfall Threat Building This Week
Forecasters warn that a prolonged moisture stream will bring persistent moderate to heavy rain, especially along the coast, Olympic Peninsula, and Cascade foothills. With soils already saturated from recent storms, runoff will occur quickly, raising the potential for significant flooding.
Several river basins in Western Washington are already running high, and officials say many rivers may once again reach major flood stage during this multi-day event.
Areas at Highest Risk
Regions included under the Flood Watch:
- Seattle metro and Puget Sound lowlands
- Olympic Peninsula communities
- Cascade foothill towns
- Southwest Washington valleys
Coastal and mountainous zones may see the greatest rainfall totals, pushing the upper range of 6–8 inches, while urban regions could still experience impactful flooding with 2–4 inches.
Possible Impacts
Residents should be prepared for:
- Rapid river rises and overflow
- Urban flooding in low-lying city areas
- Flooded roads and hazardous travel
- Mudslides or landslides in saturated slopes
- Potential evacuation advisories in flood-prone zones
Officials urge the public to avoid driving through flooded roads, as even shallow water can sweep vehicles away.
Preparedness Steps
Authorities recommend:
- Monitoring river forecasts and emergency alerts
- Clearing storm drains near homes
- Having sandbags ready in flood-sensitive areas
- Moving valuables to higher ground
- Preparing for possible power outages or road closures
More updates are expected as rainfall begins and river gauges respond. NapervilleLocal.com will continue to follow the situation and update readers with the latest alerts and forecasts.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.