SEATTLE — Heavy rainfall has increased the threat of landslides in western Washington, the National Weather Service warns.
In a Special Weather Statement, the Weather Service said the rain is causing soil to become unstable throughout the region. Between 1 to 5 inches of rain has fallen over the past three days, with another 1 to 3 inches expected in the next few days, according to the Weather Service.
Several landslides have been reported in recent days, with one in Seattle's Leschi neighborhood and another near Union in Mason County. Amtrak service between Seattle and Portland was also recently suspended due to a landslide in Kelso.
Landslides have caused major damage in the region. Last year, a home in Magnolia was knocked off its foundation in a landslide. In 2021, mud and debris fell into the sound on Whidbey Island, narrowly missing several homes. In 2013, a mudslide in Everett knocked seven train cars off its tracks.
The risk of a landslide can continue to stay high for days after a storm passes.
Rain is expected to continue through at least Saturday, according to the KING 5 weather team.
A new weather system will move from over the Pacific Ocean early Wednesday with increasingly steady rain spreading over western Washington before daybreak for a wet Wednesday. Rain should continue through most of the day before turning to off-and-on showers Wednesday afternoon. Snow levels will drop to 6,000 feet on Wednesday.
The rain continues Thursday with some sunbreaks. Snow levels should drop to around 4,500 feet during the day as the cooler air moves in.
There may be a few lingering showers Friday and Saturday but otherwise, it will be partly sunny with temperatures cooling to well below normal by the weekend. Snow levels will drop to 3,500 feet Friday and 2,500 feet by Sunday.
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