Renton Forecast: Atmospheric River Brings Flooding Concerns

RENTON, WA — The wettest weather of the week is forecast to arrive Saturday afternoon, bringing along the potential for widespread river flooding in Western Washington through the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, moderate to heavy rain may cause sharp rises on several rivers and increase the risk of landslides, while wind gusts could spur localized power outages.

A flood watch will be in effect across the region between Saturday morning and Sunday evening, including in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Lewis, Thurston, Clallam, Grays Habor, Jefferson, Mason, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

The heaviest precipitation is likely between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, and warmer air and rising snow levels could significant rain over the mountains. By Sunday morning, areas around Seattle and Tacoma could see 2-3 inches of rain, while portions of the coast and the passes may log up to 6 inches.

In King County, the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers could exceed Phase 3 by late Saturday or early Sunday. If conditions hold to the forecast, the King County Flood Warning Center will open Saturday night and deploy flood patrol teams, officials said. Residents can check conditions by calling 206-296-8200 or review active warnings online.

Drivers should avoid traveling over water-logged roadways and can contact the county at 206-477-8100 if they come across standing water on a road that has not been closed.

The roads identified as most likely to require closure are as follows:

• Tolt River Rd NE in the vicinity of 6800 Tolt River Road NE.
• SE Reinig Rd. @ Trail Trestle Bridge
• SE Mill Pond Rd. (City of Snoqualmie)
• SE Fish Hatchery Rd.SE David Powell Rd.308th Ave SE (Patterson Ck)
• 324th Ave. SESE 24th St. (at Patterson Ck Bridge)
• Neal Rd. SEW. Snoqualmie River Rd. (near SE 24th St.)
• W. Snoqualmie River Rd. (Near Tolt Hill Rd.)
• NE Tolt Hill Rd.310th Ave NE / NE 60th St.NE 80th St.NE 100th St. and 284th Ave NE
• NE 124th St.

Travelers can find the latest road closures and sign up for text-based flood alerts on the King County website.

Forecasters expect a third frontal system to arrive Monday, promising more breezy conditions and another round of rain. Tuesday and Wednesday are poised to welcome back the sunshine, as afternoon temperatures dip back down to the mid-40s.

Here is the 5-day weather outlook in Renton:

Saturday: 52°/46° (Rain after 2 p.m.)
Sunday: 53°/45° (Rain likely)
Monday: 53°/38° (Rain)
Tuesday: 47°/32° (Mostly sunny)
Wednesday: 45°/32° (Mostly sunny)