Flooding, Landslides: Western Washington Under Weather Advisories

WOODINVILLE, WA - Heavy rain and melting snow prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch for Western Washington Thursday, warning of the potential for localized and river flooding.

Heavy rains were causing problems across the region Thursday. In Seattle, a landslide closed a long section of Rainier Avenue, and water was reported over roadways from south King County to Bellevue.

There's also a special weather statement in effect, warning of the possibility of landslides.

"Rainfall of several inches and melting lowland snow over the past few days has increased soil moisture to high levels across western Washington. Heavy rainfall of over an inch is expected throughout the day today. This amount of rain will put extra pressure on soil instability leading to an increased threat of landslides," the advisory reads.

The flood watch is in effect until Friday evening. Rain is expected to continue on and off through Thursday night and into Friday.

"A weather system will move through the area today. Storm total precipitation from the system in the Olympics and the Washington Cascades WILL be 3 to 5 inches. Snow levels near 6500 feet will lower to near 3500 feet tonight. leftover lowland snow will be melting today but will only contribute a small amount to the runoff. This could be enough rain to drive some rivers above minor flood stage later today or tonight, including the Tolt, and additional locations on the Chehalis and Skookumchuck Rivers," the flood watch says.

Image via Bellevue police