A powerful fall storm slammed into Western Washington Monday, bringing heavy rain and stiff winds across the region but leaving Pierce County relatively unscathed.
Points west, north and south of Tacoma saw flooding and landslides as the storm raced onshore from the Pacific. Port Orchard was particularly hard hit when rising tides and rainwater combined to flood some city streets. Streets reopened in the afternoon when tides receded.
More than 2.06 inches of rain were recorded at the weather station at Joint Base Lewis-McChord between 4 p.m. Sunday and 4 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service reported.
The next recording at that station would be 4 a.m., according to the service.
The SeaTac station measured 2.13 inches of rain from midnight to 9 p.m. Monday, which broke a 1962 record of 1.23 inches, according the service.
Officials reported some localized flooding across Pierce County, including in downtown Tacoma, where overwhelmed storm drains spilled water onto Pacific Avenue.
The county’s major rivers were expected to stay within their banks.
“We’re not expecting anything of significance, and we’re happy about that,” said Tony Fantello of Pierce County Public Works.
Still, the Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Puyallup River through today. A flood watch means conditions are favorable for a stream or river to top its banks but that flooding is not imminent.
Winds of 100 miles per hour were clocked at the ocean beaches, and mud slides halted Sounder commuter train traffic between Everett and Seattle and caused a traffic accident involving a Washington State Patrol car on U.S. 101 near Naselle in Pacific County.
The trooper and another driver escaped with minor injuries after hitting mud and trees that broke loose from a hillside and spilled onto the highway, the State Patrol reported.
State transportation officials closed the North Cascades Highway about noon because of heavy snowfall. Snoqualmie Pass remained opened, with some standing water in places.
Scattered power outages were reported in Pierce County after winds picked up.
Authorities warned people to stay away from downed power lines and not to walk or drive across flooded roads or streets.
“Water can be deeper than it appears and fast-moving water just 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet,” the Tacoma Fire Department said.
The forecast calls for more rain today and throughout the week but in lesser quantities, the Weather Service reported.
Thanksgiving looks to be wet, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation and high temperatures in the upper 40s.
Adam Lynn: 253-597-8644
adam.lynn@thenewstribune.com
blog.thenewstribune.com/crime
@TNTadam
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