The Grays Harbor area likely will see one to three inches of rain and windy conditions throughout the weekend, increasing soil moisture and making the area susceptible to landslides, emergency officials said Friday.
National Weather Service meteorologist Kirby Cook said the heaviest period of rainfall has already taken place but added that Grays Harbor will most likely see another two inches of precipitation through Sunday morning. Rivers, including the Satsop, could be subject to minor flooding, but the risk will be mitigated by a break in the rain overnight Saturday moving into Sunday.
“It (the rain) will cause rises to the rivers, but the breaks help rivers deal with floods,” said Cook.
Aberdeen could see a half to three quarters of an inch of rain on Saturday and between a quarter and a half inch on Sunday.
On Saturday Grays Harbor will see 20 to 30 mph winds, gusting up to 40 mph in the afternoon hours, said Cook, with the winds dying down to 15 to 20 mph on Saturday night.
A special weather statement has been issued by The National Weather Service warning that rainfall since Wednesday has increased soil moisture to moderate levels across Western Washington, with spurts of rainfall putting extra pressure on coastal bluffs or steep hillsides this weekend. According to Cook, the risk of landslides will be present throughout early next week as the ground dries.
“With all this rainfall we are seeing a heightened risk of landslides,” said Cook. “Residents should certainly be cognitive of the situation. If they have concerns they should contact their local emergency management or city officials.”
Precipitation is supposed to die down by Tuesday or Wednesday.
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