Rain, wind, waves could cause major flooding along Washington state coast this week

Blustery winds, big waves and heavy rain could cause moderate to major flooding along Washington's coastline and some rivers this week, with the potential to close roads, clog drains and inundate low-lying properties, forecasters said.

The Skokomish River — that one likes to flood," said National Weather Service meteorologist Kayla Mazurkiewicz. "And pretty much anywhere along the coastline is where we could see some coastal flooding."

Mazurkiewicz said Seattle is expected to see breezy and damp "typical November weather" through the weekend. Meanwhile, strong winds, heavy rains and 16- to 18-foot waves could slam Washington's Pacific coast Wednesday and Thursday, causing moderate to major flooding along shorelines from Grays Harbor to Neah Bay, according to the weather service.

"Roads may be impassable," according to a briefing. "Severe coastal erosion and damage to critical infrastructure are possible.

Heavy rain across Western Washington through the end of the week could also cause minor flooding along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Skokomish River in Mason County, forecasters said. As the windy, wet weather could bring down leaves and block or clog drains this week, forecasters warned drivers not to drive through barricades or through water of unknown depths.

A typical fall forecast is expected in Seattle, with rain, or at least a chance of rain, daily through Monday, and temperatures hovering in the 50s, according to the National Weather Service.

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