Storms raising WA flooding, avalanche chances

SEATTLE — A series of storms have saturated Western Washington, increasing the chances of flooding in the lowlands and snow avalanches in the Cascades. The National Weather Service issued a warning for minor flooding on the Skokomish River this afternoon after 2 to 4 inches of rain fell this morning on the Olympics. With more rain in the forecast, the Weather Service says other flood-prone rivers could overflow in coming days and landslides could become a concern. In the mountains a dangerous avalanche situation is getting more extreme. The Weather Service says most areas of the Cascades and Olympics have received 4 to 7 feet of snow since Friday, and Mount Baker has had more than 9 feet in the past six days. Forecasters say don’t stray away from ski areas.