Large logs flow quickly down the Snohomish River as the river reaches minor flood stage a hair over 25 feet following an overnight storm Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Large logs flow quickly down the Snohomish River as the river reaches minor flood stage a hair over 25 feet following an overnight storm Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Latest forecast: Snohomish County could see ‘moderate to major flooding’

Meteorologists predict rainfall could reach up to 4 inches through Tuesday, with the Snohomish River in danger of cresting.

EVERETT — Meteorologists predicted an increased chance of “moderate to major” flooding this week as Snohomish County prepared for heavy rain.

According to the National Weather Service, an atmospheric river pattern is expected to redevelop Monday night into Tuesday, bringing with it heavy rainfall and occasional windy conditions to much of western Washington.

Anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rain were expected in Snohomish County Monday and Tuesday. Everett could see up to 2 inches of rain, while in east county, Darrington and Gold Bar could see up to 4 inches of rain during that time.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of Western Washington, including Island and Snohomish counties.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

On Tuesday night, the Snohomish River in Snohomish was expected to crest close to “major” flood stage, at 29.15 feet, about 4 feet above a typical flood stage.

Street flooding is possible in the lowlands. Meteorologists warned residents near Monroe and Snohomish to be ready for flooding as a result of the Snohomish River cresting.

The Skykomish and Stillaguamish rivers could also approach the flooding threshold, said Dev McMillian, a meteorologist for the weather service.

“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action,” McMillian said.

Gusty winds, potentially peaking at 40 mph in Everett, were expected to last until Monday night, meteorologists said.

Live river conditions and road closures can be found at Snohomish County’s flood safety hub. The flood watch expires late Wednesday as rivers are expected to recede. By the weekend, meteorologists expect a break in the storm.

Heavy snowfall and warming temperatures have also created “very dangerous avalanche conditions” in the Cascades, according to the weather service. The Northwest Avalanche Center had large swaths of the Cascades under a level 4 threat for an avalanche.

While there was no concern for widespread coastal flooding, there was potential for high surf Tuesday, according to the weather service.

Flooding isn’t an uncommon occurrence in Snohomish County. Last year, Highway 529 closed as heavy rain hit Everett. Flooding also closed Marine View Drive.

In Stanwood, dikes over a century old are the last bastion of protection from rising flood waters. In 2021, a gaping hole formed in the dike west of town, threatening to drown 2,200 acres of farmland. If the dikes broke, seawater would stretch out to Pioneer Highway, fully engulfing the small city. In March, Snohomish County announced a $2 million grant toward renovating the dikes. The repairs are slated to begin next year.

When speedy winds combine with wet foliage in utility lines, power outages are also a possibility. To report an outage, go to outagemap.snopud.com. Reports can also be made via phone at 425-783-1001. If it’s an emergency, dial 911.

Jonathan Tall: 425-339-3486; jonathan.tall@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @snocojon.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Oliver Popa, 7, poses with his book, "Drippey Plants a Garden," on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds 7-year-old publishes children’s book featuring ‘Drippey’ the bee

Oliver Popa’s first grade teacher said he should publish a longer version of a writing assignment. A year later, his mother — a publisher — helped made it happen.

Don Sharrett talks John Wrice through his trimming technique on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett barber school offers $5 haircuts — if you’re brave enough

Students get hands-on practice. Willing clients get a sweet deal.

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

An estimated 4,000 people attended the "Hands Off!" rally in downtown Everett. Saturday, April 5, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Thousands gather in Everett to say ‘Hands Off!’ to Trump

Elected officials join community members to speak at the Snohomish County campus, one of more than 1,400 protests across the world.

Artist and science communicator Jill Pelto to host 1st art show

New pieces will highlight glaciers, part of the Skykomish and Nooksack watersheds.

Founder and director of New Moon Farm Sanctuary Ellen Felsenthal pets Clara Bow-er, a boer goat that was a part of a larger rescue from Yelm on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Arlington sanctuary gives new life to goats

The sanctuary recently rescued nine goats from Yelm and is nursing the animals back to health.

Bill France poses in one of his custom flat caps after asking his wife, Sarah France, to snap a photo.
Victim advocate dies at 83, leaving a lasting legacy

Bill France, who fought Parkinson’s until the end, was known for his tireless work in victim advocacy.

Search to continue Saturday for missing 21-year-old Arlington man

Jonathan Hoang has been missing since Sunday evening. He was last seen wearing a green shirt, khaki pants, and black slip-on shoes, and possibly carrying his iPad.

Ash Roberts, left, and Wryly T McCutchen, right, browse for book at the Everett Public Library on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It’s being killed’: Federal grant termination hits SnoCo libraries

A federal agency terminated a $3.9 million grant Wednesday that funds library and museum programs across Washington.

Lynnwood
11-year-old tried to stab student in Lynnwood school, deputies say

The child is still at large, the sheriff’s office said, but there is no active threat to the students or staff at the school.

Nichole Webber: Drawing up plays for athletes and politics

The communications director for the city of Everett believes leadership is rooted in honesty, integrity and selfless commitment to others.

2025 Emerging Leader Natalie Given (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Natalie Given: Building trust and communicating concerns

Everett Police Department’s Public Information Officer builds relationship and better communication.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.