Video: Storm brings wind, rain and flooding

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SEATTLE - Forecasters say a Pacific storm has aimed a river of moisture at Washington - and that could spell potential river flooding later this week; plus the National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area until Wednesday morning.

Forecasters say a storm blowing through Western Washington will have winds of more than 30 miles per hour with gusts of 45 or more, and gusts up to 70 mph on exposed ridges. That could bring down some trees and cause power outages.

More flooding

"A band of moisture stretching from just north of Hawaii will shift over Western Washington later today and remain over us until late on Wednesday night, producing heavy rains," said KING 5 Meteorologist Rich Marriott. "This will likely cause river flooding Wednesday into Thursday."

Forecasters say up to 20 inches of rain could fall through early Thursday on the Olympics, 6 to 10 inches on the coast and Cascades and 3 inches elsewhere, including Seattle. Thirteen counties in Western Washington are currently under flood watch until Friday.

The National Weather Service says heavy rain will increase the risk of mudslides. Forecasters say soil has already soaked up a lot of water in the past two weeks, so several inches of rain expected by Thursday will put extra pressure on areas prone to landslides.

Storm clouds roll over the Seattle skyline.

There are flood warning for the following Washington rivers: Newaukum R near Chehalis affecting Lewis County; Tolt River near Carnation, Snoqualmie River near Snoqualmie Falls and near Carnation affecting King County; Skagit River near Concrete affecting Skagit County; North Fork Stillaguamish River near Arlington and South Fork Stillaguamish near Granite Falls affecting Snohomish County; Puyallup River near Orting affecting Pierce County; South Fork Stillaguamish near Granite Falls affecting Snohomish County; South Fork Nooksack River at Saxon Bridge and Nooksack River at North Cedarville affecting Whatcom County.

Leave flood-prone areas

The Wahkiakum County sheriff's office is encouraging people in flood prone areas to evacuate before expected heavy rains make roads impassable.

The Longview Daily News reports that automated emergency notification calls were sent out to the entire county Tuesday morning. Anyone who may need medical attention or special care is urged to evacuate.

Wahkiakum and most other counties in Western Washington are under a flood watch.

The heavy rain in Western Washington should come to an end Thursday, said Marriott.

"High pressure will give us a partly sunny day on Friday after areas of morning fog. Saturday will see mostly cloudy skies with a chance of a little rain developing Saturday night," he said.

Forecasters say the precipitation in Eastern Washington will begin as snow and turn to rain in many areas bringing the threat of more collapsing roofs and urban and small stream flooding.

Forecasters expect a few more inches of snow in Spokane Tuesday before rain and warmer temperatures start the melt.

Storm emergency in Lewis County

Lewis County commissioners declared an emergency to respond to winter storms.

Sheriff Steve Mansfield requested Monday's declaration to allow him to ask for help from the state.

Some residents in the Packwood area have had up to 4 feet of snow. Lewis County emergency officials and the Packwood Fire Department reportedly recruited teams of volunteers to remove snow from roofs to keep them from collapsing.

The forecast of rain increases the risk of buildings collapsing under the weight. The rain and warmer temperatures also could cause a sudden snow melt.

Lewis is one of 13 Western Washington counties under a flood watch. In 2006 the Cowlitz River flooded the Packwood and Randle areas.

NW Ore., SW Wash. to get a hosing

The National Weather Service says the rainfall Wednesday and Thursday could total 4 inches to 8 inches in the Coast Range north of Tillamook -- slightly heavier in southwest Washington.

Meteorologist Tyree Wilde says 1 inch to 3 inches could fall in the Portland area.

Wilde says the heavy rainfall comes atop a mountain snow pack that's dense with moisture, aggravating flood concerns.

Clark County Public Works staff says they are prepared to respond if heavy rains cause flooding and landslides. Road crews will be watching low-lying areas for road blockages or threats to bridges, and responding to reports of slides.

The county says people living in areas with a history of flooding or with steep slopes should pay careful attention to the situation during and after the storm. Roads blocked by high water or slides will be barricaded if considered unsafe for travel.

Residents or businesses that see flood water or slides obstructing roadways should report to the Public Works Customer Service line at (360) 397-2446.

Red Cross urges residents to prepare for flooding

The American Red Cross is asking people to be prepared if flooding should occur.

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"Now is the time to make sure all family members know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water. You also should practice and plan an evacuation route," said Carol Dunn, a community disaster educator for the Red Cross.

"If a flood watch is issued move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home," Dunn added. "It is also a good idea to fill your car's gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued."

Safety tips from the Red Cross

- Eighty percent of those people who die as a result of flooding are in vehicles. If you come upon a barricade, turn around and go another way. If you come upon flood waters, do NOT drive through them; the road could be washed out underneath.

- If you are driving and your car stalls, abandon your vehicle and head to higher ground.

- If you are advised to leave before flooding occurs, do so right away.

- Only if you have time - bring valuables and furniture to higher levels of your home; turn off the electrical power at the main source; secure the building.