The Western Washington Swamp
If it were only a bit warmer, we might gators around here. After incessant rain, grass is like mush, water is ponding and accumulating everywhere, landslides have started, the rivers are flooding, and the aroma of wetness is everywhere.
Western Washington is more like a swamp than a high-tech center, and much, more precipitation is coming. A little over a month ago, some folks were talking about a progressive drought for our region. The drought talk has ended.
Some amazing statistics were noted by my colleagues at the National Weather Service this morning (see below)---nearly every day this month has rained and a number of observing sites will break their all-time record for number of days with rain in January. Quillayute, Hoquiam, and Olympia will all beat the record, Seattle may tie it.
And the rain totals have been extraordinary as well. Quillayute, on the NW coast, has received 22.63 inches so far this month, 9.31 inches above normal. Sodden Olympia has been wetted by 13.76 inches, 6.62 inches above normal. Some monthly records will be broken along the coast and southwest Washington.
Rivers throughout the region are either flooding or soon to flood, as shown by the following graphic from the NWS Portland river forecast center. Moderate flooding is expected for major rivers draining westward from the central and northern Cascades.
And much more is coming. The latest infrared satellite picture shows a huge plume of moisture and clouds extended across the Pacific....this moisture is heading our way.
During the next 90 hours (through 4 AM Saturday), the European Center model shows heavy precipitation accumulating over the western slopes of the Cascades, Olympics and coastal mountains, with some places drenched by 3-6 inches. Flooding will be widespread.
But what is really scary, is the European Center ten-day total (below). Just unbelievable, with some locations in the Olympics getting 10 inches of rain.
This month essential guarantees enough water to get through the summer, both through total precipitation and the substantial snowpack. But the flooding will be serious and everyone should be careful about driving on flooded roads. There will be road closures from slides...you can bet on it.
And yes, I know some critters that will be very happy during the next few weeks.
A typical scene in North Seattle
Some amazing statistics were noted by my colleagues at the National Weather Service this morning (see below)---nearly every day this month has rained and a number of observing sites will break their all-time record for number of days with rain in January. Quillayute, Hoquiam, and Olympia will all beat the record, Seattle may tie it.
Rivers throughout the region are either flooding or soon to flood, as shown by the following graphic from the NWS Portland river forecast center. Moderate flooding is expected for major rivers draining westward from the central and northern Cascades.
And much more is coming. The latest infrared satellite picture shows a huge plume of moisture and clouds extended across the Pacific....this moisture is heading our way.
During the next 90 hours (through 4 AM Saturday), the European Center model shows heavy precipitation accumulating over the western slopes of the Cascades, Olympics and coastal mountains, with some places drenched by 3-6 inches. Flooding will be widespread.
This month essential guarantees enough water to get through the summer, both through total precipitation and the substantial snowpack. But the flooding will be serious and everyone should be careful about driving on flooded roads. There will be road closures from slides...you can bet on it.
And yes, I know some critters that will be very happy during the next few weeks.
Comments
Post a Comment