The National Weather Service has forecast heavy rains on the Olympic Peninsula that could cause flooding today and Wednesday on rivers in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
Forecasters, who on Monday issued a flood watch for the two counties as well as 10 others in Western Washington, said they expect 3 inches of rain with more than 6 inches in some areas on the west slopes by this evening and overnight.
The rains, expected by the Weather Service to reach the Peninsula by tonight, could be accompanied by westerly winds of up to 35 mph in coastal areas, especially the West End and possibly along Hood Canal.
Areas in the rain shadow of the Olympics can expect less precipitation and winds of less velocity — under 20 mph — according to the Weather Service ( www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew ).
A gale warning is in effect in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Admiralty Inlet and off the Pacific coast. A small-craft warning is in effect in Hood Canal.
There is no chance of snow: Forecasters say Veterans Day temperatures should be in the 50s throughout Western Washington, with the snow level rising to around 10,000 feet — high above the tops of the Olympics.
Current information on river flows can be obtained at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis/current/?type=flow .
Current weather information for all of Western Washington can be found on the Web site of our Seattle news partner, KOMO-TV, at www.komonews.com .
