Parts of Lewis, Thurston and Grays Harbor counties are among areas of Western Washington under a flood watch until at least Saturday afternoon.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory on Friday afternoon amid heavy rainfall and wind that is expected to last into Saturday.
“A potent weather system is bringing heavy rainfall to the region today through early Saturday,” the weather service reported. “Up to 3 to 7 inches of rainfall has already fallen in the mountains. This rainfall will result in rapid rises and potential for flooding along area rivers. Some river flood warnings have already been issued and additional flooding is possible.”
The Cowlitz River at Randle was expected to see the most inundation locally, with minor to moderate flooding predicted by the weather service. It is expected to crest Saturday afternoon.
The Chehalis and Newaukum rivers are expected to reach the action phase — just below flooding — but are not expected to cause much disruption.
Urban flooding was occurring in many low-lying area of Lewis County on Friday as heavy rainfall continued.
