PORT ANGELES — Olympic National Park plans to close campgrounds and roads in the western part of the park on Thursday because of expected heavy rain and high wind.
According to reports from the National Weather Service, storm activity in Western Washington and along the Olympic Coast will increase on Thursday and is likely to continue through Sunday.
Visitors now camped at the Quinault, Queets, Kalaloch and Mora campgrounds, which are being closed, will be offered available space at alternative park campgrounds that remain open, the park announced late Wednesday afternoon.
Roads that will be closed because of the threat of flooding or high winds blowing down trees are the Upper and Lower Queets, Graves Creek, North Fork Quinault and the Mora Road beyond the Mora Ranger Station
The campgrounds and roads will reopen once park staff determine that conditions are safe for visitor use, officials said.
Coastal areas are forecast for high surf, creating dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and other areas of Western Washington may experience river flooding, the National Weather Service said.
Gusty winds and rain will make their way through lowland and coastal areas.
“Visitors are advised to use caution” when visiting coastal areas and other areas of the national park beginning Thursday through Sunday, park officials said.
“Additional closures may occur due to changing weather conditions or emergencies,” officials said.
For more information on visiting the park and current conditions, visit www.nps.gov/olym or call 360-565-3131.
