SEATTLE - A series of storms will bring heavy rain and wind to Western Washington later tonight through Tuesday.
The first wave begins to move ashore Sunday night, with increasing wind and rain.
The National Weather Service says a high wind warning is in effect from Monday morning through Tuesday morning for San Juan County, Western Whatcom County and Western Skagit County.
South winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph are possible through Monday morning, and Tuesday morning winds will increase to 40 to 50 mph with gusts to 70 mph as a strong low develops along the coast and moves into central Vancouver Island.
In the greater Seattle-Tacoma-Everett areas, south winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph with gusts to near 60 mph after midnight on Monday and will continue into Tuesday morning.
Periods of heavy rain over the Olympic Mountains and North Cascades could drive rivers in those areas above flood stage by Monday night.
"We're looking at 12-inch totals on the south slopes of the Olympics through late Monday afternoon," said Dennis D'Amico of the National Weather Service.
Between five and 10 inches of rain are expected in the north Cascades in a 24-hour period.
The NWS says the lowlands along the metro corridor from Everett southward could receive 24-hour rain totals of 2 to 5 inches.
A flood watch is in effect from Sunday night through Wednesday morning for the following counties: Skagit, Snohomish, Grays Harbor, Clallam, Jefferson, Whatcom and Mason.
A flood warning has been issued for the Skokomish River, which will rise to flood stage early Monday morning.
Once the low passes on Tuesday night, the winds and rain will ease. Cooler air will bring some snow to the mountain passes.
The next system will move in on Wednesday night and continue through Thursday, with more rain and breezy conditions.
