Washington, rain and flood
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Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced more than 50 highways have reopened since the flooding began. However, over a dozen remain closed, including notable closures like US 2 and US 12. US 2 is closed between Skykomish and Tumwater Canyon, with conditions set to be reassessed on Monday.
The NWS Spokane WA released a special weather statement at 8:19 a.m. on Sunday until Monday at 9 a.m. The alert is for Central Chelan County, Western Chelan County and Western Okanogan County.
Over the past five days, Grays Harbor County received a total of 16.5 inches of rain - the highest total rainfall recorded in western Washington, according to data from the National Weather Service (NWS). In Jefferson County, a total of 14.44 inches was recorded at Owl Mountain as of 6:30 a.m.
Rain is in the forecast in the Whatcom County lowlands through the week, following nearly 4 inches of rain last week.
Warm storms have delayed Washington’s ski season as resorts await colder temperatures and better conditions before opening.
The heavy rain will bring a second rise, or "crest," for area rivers Tuesday night and into Wednesday. All of western Washington is under a flood watch through Friday.
Washington was still under a state of emergency on Saturday after torrential rains swamped communities. Plus, snow and dangerous cold are falling on some in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Nicole Valdes has more from Washington state.
Flood water is continuing to keep people from their homes and drivers off some major highways in western Washington.