‘Significant coastal flooding’ expected across western Washington
Flooding around Puget Sound will continue through Wednesday, but the weather is expected to begin to calm by the rest of the week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The NWS said that with heavy rainfall across Western Washington in recent days — which ended Wednesday morning — there is an increased threat of landslides. flooding and downed trees. A break in steady rain will reduce the threat of landslides Thursday, the NWS said.
Strongest storm of the year with power outages, overnight flooding
“Significant coastal flooding” is still expected through 1 p.m. Wednesday in the inland Southwest, Tacoma, Hood Canal, Seattle and Bremerton areas, according to the NWS, which issued a coastal flood warning. Road closures are possible and low-lying properties, including homes, businesses and some critical infrastructure, will be “inundated by rain”, according to the warning.
The NWS said the annual rainfall total at SeaTac, where records are measured, rose to 39.52 inches after receiving 0.27 inches on Tuesday, “exceeding the normal annual rainfall for Seattle (39.34 inches).
With 0.27″ in @flySEA Tuesday’s annual precipitation total is 39.52″, exceeding the normal annual precipitation for Seattle of 39.34″. More flooding around Puget Sound this morning around high tide, but not as bad as Tuesday. Calmer weather for next week.#wawx
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) December 28, 2022
A coastal flood advisory was issued by the NWS for the greater Everett area from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
According to Olympia Water Resources Director Eric Christensen, Olympia saw a record high tide Tuesday morning, with a height of 18.4 feet. The tide was predicted to be 16.6, but when the barometric pressure bottomed out, it caused a surge.
Seattle Public Utilities said the flooding in the South Park neighborhood was from the Duwamish River overflowing its banks and said that as sea levels continue to rise, South Park is likely to see flooding again.
COASTAL FLOODING ADVISORY FROM 08:00 – 13:00 @NWSSeattle has issued a coastal flood advisory for Everett and the surrounding area from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tidal flooding remains possible around the time of high tide and low tide (9:29 am). https://t.co/AsPkdTPPqE pic.twitter.com/3CYgC6rKOZ
— Everett Fire WA (@EverettFire) December 28, 2022
The South Park industrial district saw 2 feet of flood waters by midday with submerged vehicles and several businesses flooded.
