SEATTLE — Western Washington is finally getting a break from the heavy rain that saturated the area causing flooding and several landslides.
Most rivers in the Puget Sound region began cresting Saturday and are expected to lower from flood stage through Sunday and Monday.
A Flood Warning for the Chehalis River at Centralia affecting Lewis County and at Porter in Grays Harbor County is in effect until Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Minor flooding is forecasted.
A Flood Watch for Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston counties is in effect until Sunday evening, the NWS said.
Also see | Western Washington forecast
Snow levels in the Cascades dropped back to 3,500 feet Saturday.
Only a few showers will linger into Sunday.
The heavy rain caused problems throughout western Washington on Friday. Flooding was reported in several cities, where streets were shut down.
Sea-Tac International Airport recorded 3.25 inches of rain on Friday, making it the 5th rainiest day on record, according to the National Weather Service.
In Tacoma, some businesses and homes were dealing with flooding in basements.
“We are trying to divert the water while we can,” said Angie Jackson. “We have a downhill basement, and there is a slope that goes into two doors. The water is just coming in quicker than we can drain it out.”
Scott Douglas, Director of Appropriations and Charities Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, said a drain was backed up in a building that houses the Washington State Archives.
"We do have records down here which are fortunately above the waterline," said Douglas. "We are sandbagging to make sure our server room stays dry and safe." Kylee Zabel, Communications Director for the Secretary of State, said customer records were not affected by the flooding, but one box of documents will need preservation work.
