The Daily World

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a special weather statement warning heavy rains continuing through today have led to an increased threat of landslides in the lower Chehalis Valley and the north and central coasts.

Rainfall of up to 5 inches last week has increased soil moisture to high levels across Western Washington. Heavy rainfall of 1 to 2 inches in the lowlands and up to 7 inches in the mountains of Western Washington is expected through Thursday. This amount of rain will put extra pressure on soil instability, leading to an increased threat of landslides. The landslide threat should subside over the weekend, with the chance of rain in Hoquiam dropping to about 40 percent.

The Portland office posted a high-wind warning Wednesday morning that will remain in effect to 8 a.m. Thursday. Raymond, Long Beach, Ocean Park and Naselle could see southwest winds 30-40 mph with gusts to 60 mph. The beaches and headlands are expected to have winds 35-45 mph with gusts as high as 75 mph.

Charles Wallace with Grays Harbor Emergency Services says that the major rivers in the area will rise through today but none is expected to reach flood stage. The better chance for localized flooding will be along smaller creeks and streams. There is an aerial flood watch in effect, meaning there is the potential for flooding over much of Western Washington, according to the Weather Service.