National Weather Service issues Flood Watch from Monday through Thursday

National Weather Service-Missoula has issued a Flood Watch which is in effect from Monday afternoon through Thursday morning for Clearwater and Idaho counties.

Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt is possible. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes, in canyons, and near the mouths of canyons may be at risk from landslides.

A prolonged atmospheric river is expected to bring periods of heavy rain to Clearwater and Idaho counties, Monday night through Thursday. Rising snow levels will lead to a rain on snow event for elevations below 7,000 feet Monday night into Tuesday morning. The precipitation rates will briefly decrease Tuesday afternoon, before a second surge of moisture arrives Tuesday night into Thursday morning. By Thursday, significant precipitation totals are forecast, with 2 to 4 inches in the valleys and 4 to 8 inches in the mountains, with locally higher totals over mountain crests. Landslides in areas of steep terrain and minor flooding in urban and poor drainage areas is possible. For updates, see: https://www.weather.gov/mso/.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions:

People should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

(Graphics courtesy of National Weather Service-Missoula)