Flood watch issued for Thurston County

An atmospheric river barreling toward the state of Washington has prompted a flood watch for Thurston County.

The flood watch, which is in effect from 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, until 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, was issued by the National Weather Service in Seattle on Friday, Feb. 21.

“A series of storms via an atmospheric river will produce periods of rain, heavy at times, over western Washington from Friday into Tuesday,” the National Weather Service said in issuing the flood watch.

“The heaviest of rain will be concentrated over the Olympics and Cascades, where rain totals through this period will range from 3 to 5 inches with locally higher amounts possible. Snow levels will increase to above 7,000 feet Saturday evening. These conditions could result in flooding in a number of rivers.”

The National Weather Service is advising residents to monitor forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings for creeks, rivers, streams, as well as low-lying and flood-prone locations.

“Those (people) living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the National Weather Service said.

The weekend forecast for Thurston County calls for a high near 56 degrees on Saturday, Feb. 22, with a 100 percent chance of precipitation and a south wind of 13 to 18 miles per hour (mph), and gusts as high as 32 mph. Between one-quarter and one-half inch of rain is possible.

The overnight low should be around 50 degrees with a 100 percent chance of precipitation and a south wind of 13 to 15 mph, and gusts as high as 24 mph. Between one-half and three-quarters of an inch of rain is possible.

The outlook for Sunday is similar with a high near 56 degrees with a 100 percent chance of precipitation, and a south, southwest wind of 9 to 11 mph and gusts as high as 21 mph. New rainfall between one-half and three-quarters of an inch is possible.

The overnight low should be around 46 degrees with a 90 percent chance of precipitation. New rainfall between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch is possible.