Heavy Rain Thursday & Friday: Puget Sound Forecast

SEATTLE — Another atmospheric river is bearing down on Western Washington, with widespread moderate to heavy rain in the forecast and gusty periods through at least Friday night. According to the National Weather Service, "wet and unsettled" weather will linger into the weekend with more systems possible next week.

The Olympics will take the brunt of the incoming pattern, with 5 to 8 inches of precipitation possible through Saturday, while the lowlands and foothills can expect one to three inches, forecasters said. Travelers heading over the passes may encounter some light snow Thursday morning before snow levels rise.

Due to the shift in the weather, the Northwest Avalanche Center is monitoring a rapid rise in avalanche dangers Thursday and urges those with backcountry trips to check for the latest avalanche forecasts before heading out. There is also the potential for high surf along the coastline Thursday, building as high as 20 feet.

The influx of moisture will also add to landslide risks. While widespread river flooding is not expected, forecasters said there is some potential for localized flooding.

Looking ahead to next week, the National Weather Service said the door will stay open for more systems developing across the region, with temperatures trending a few degrees cooler.