OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Several popular areas within Olympic National Park will temporarily close by Thursday evening as park officials eye a forecast predicting severe weather for the Olympic Peninsula.
Heavy rain and high winds are forecast to begin late Thursday over much of the area, with a flood watch in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday through 10 a.m. Sunday, according to an announcement issued Wednesday evening by the park.
As a precaution, the following areas of the park will close by no later than 5 p.m. Thursday: Hurricane Ridge, Elwha, Sol Duc, Hoh, Mora and Quinault. The areas might close earlier if needed.
“With a flood watch and wind advisory set to begin on Thursday, we are taking action now to prevent weather-related injuries and accidents,” Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said in the release. “Once the storm passes, we will assess conditions and reopen the park as quickly as possible.”
The Kalaloch Campground will also close by no later than 5 p.m. Thursday.
The park urged visitors in the Kalaloch area to avoid trails and beach areas during the storm, as high winds can topple trees and will increase the ocean’s waves, which are already predicted to reach 20 feet.
Visitors planning to visit the park in the coming days are urged to call the Olympic National Park Road and Weather Hotline at 360-565-3131 for the latest information on road and facility status and to check weather forecasts before traveling.
For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/olym.
