Weather Eye: Flooding, high winds slap state

Weather forecasts for Western Washington issued a few days ago were right on, as flooding watches and warnings were issued Wednesday for Grays Harbor, Clallam, Jefferson, Skagit, Whatcom, Mason and Snohomish counties.

And flooding did occur as six to eight inches of rain was measured in many areas, and even higher amounts as well. While Clark County received just a spattering in comparison, record daily rainfall occurred at many locations.

Forks and Seattle set records and Lake Quinault in Grays Harbor County measured more than 11 inches of rain in 48 hours ending late Friday evening.

It was very windy as well along the coast, with high-wind warnings flying with gusts exceeding 60 mph and high-surf advisories, too. Winds gusted to 35 mph in Clark County Saturday.

Vancouver’s rain gauge is more than one inch above average for the month as of 5 p.m. Saturday and more rain is on the way.

More flood watches and warnings could be issued later in the week as Tropical Storm Maysak moves over the South China Sea. It could send moisture into the developing westerlies heading our way. The above counties may be under the gun once again or it could be our turn, so stay tuned.

At least it was on the mild side, with 64 degrees on Friday and 62 degrees Saturday. Ah, just a typical November in the great Northwest.

Pat Timm is a local weather specialist. His column appears Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Reach him at weathersystems.com.