Seattleites Brace for ‘Atmospheric River’ to Dump Torrential Rain

Seattleites Brace for ‘Atmospheric River’ to Unleash Torrential DownpourSeattleites Brace for ‘Atmospheric River’ to Unleash Torrential Downpour As an atmospheric river, a vast plume of moisture stretching thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean, approaches the Seattle area, residents are bracing themselves for torrential rainfall that could cause significant flooding and other hazards. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the atmospheric river is expected to make landfall late Sunday night and continue to bring heavy rain into Monday. Rainfall totals are forecast to reach up to 3 inches in some areas, with localized amounts possibly exceeding 5 inches. “This is a major storm system that has the potential to bring widespread impacts across the region,” said NWS meteorologist John Gaskell. “We strongly urge residents to take precautions and prepare for potential flooding.” The NWS has issued a flood watch for King County, as well as several other counties in Western Washington. The watch means that flooding is possible or likely to occur within the next 48 hours. Seattle is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its location at the confluence of multiple rivers and creeks. The city has a history of devastating floods, including the Great Flood of 2009, which caused billions of dollars in damage. City officials are taking steps to mitigate the potential impacts of the storm. They have activated the Seattle Emergency Operations Center and are closely monitoring the weather conditions. Residents are being advised to clear debris from storm drains, move valuables off of low-lying areas, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. “We want to make sure that everyone is safe during this storm,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “We are doing everything we can to prepare and respond, but we also need our residents to do their part.” The NWS is also urging residents to be aware of other potential hazards associated with the storm, such as strong winds, hail, and lightning. They are advised to stay indoors during the peak of the storm and to avoid driving on flooded roads. As the atmospheric river approaches Seattle, residents are anxiously awaiting the storm’s arrival. While they hope it will bring beneficial moisture to the region, they are also aware of the potential risks and are taking steps to stay safe.