Flood watch, more weather

The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WATCH for Grays Harbor County for Monday, November 01, 2010. On Monday, 3-5” rainfall totals within a 12 hour period will bring rapid rises in all rivers flowing from the Olympics. At this time the main concern in Grays Harbor County is the Satsop River, which could rise to flood stage (34 feet) @ 11pm Monday night. The Satsop River is NOT expected to rise higher than this initial flood stage which could bring minor  flooding in low pasture lands and some roads along the river.

No other rivers in Grays Harbor County are expected to flood at this time. The Chehalis River will rise but is not expected to reach flood stage at this time.

A FLOOD WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR FLOODING BUT

FLOODING IS NOT IMMINENT OR OCCURRING. MONITOR THE LATEST

FORECASTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND BE READY TO ACT

QUICKLY IF FLOODING IS OBSERVED OR A WARNING IS ISSUED.

Rain, High Winds and High Surf conditions will affect the area into Tuesday.

Sunday Night – Rain will become steady after 11pm. Winds will increase to 34-37 mph from the South Southwest, gusting up to 50 mph

Monday – Heavy rain will be steady with winds from the South Southwest at 37-40 mph, gusting to 55 mph

Monday Night – Rain with winds decreasing to 26-29 mph, gusting to 40 mph. Ocean swells will grow to 25’ and impact the coastline with high surf conditions into Tuesday afternoon.

The threat of LANDSLIDES late in the week will continue to be a concern. There will be large amounts of rainfall early in the week tapering off to showers which will saturate the ground. If you live in a susceptible area, please become aware of conditions and monitor closely.

Grays Harbor County Emergency Management is asking all residents to prepare your home and family for the Fall and Winter extreme weather events. Be prepared for power outages this weekend due to the saturated ground and high winds expected. Trees could easily topple in the wind gusts.  DO NOT go near downed tree limbs or power lines. DO NOT use generators indoors. Become aware of the warning signs for Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Charles T Wallace

Deputy Director of Emergency Management

Grays Harbor County

(360) 249-3911 x 290

cwallace@co.grays-harbor.wa.us

http://www.co.grays-harbor.wa.us/info/DEM/Index.asp