Wet winter weather headed to Western Washington this week

Hopefully you enjoyed the sunny weather this weekend, because it's about to get wet.

Two storms will bring the "most widespread and significant rains of the season" to Western Washington this week, according to the National Weather Service. And there might be a third on the way for next weekend.

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The storms, the first of which will hit the region late Monday/early Tuesday, will produce several inches of rain, with the heaviest rain falling in the mountains and coastal areas. The Olympic mountain range could see anywhere from three to 10 inches of precipitation, with snow expected above 5,000 feet. Lowland areas, including Seattle, could see more than an inch of rain.

Photo: National Weather Service Mountain and coastal areas may see totals of 3 to 10 inches of rain...

The NWS warned of large waves and beach erosion on the coast, with swells reaching up to 20 feet by late Thursday.

Widespread inland flooding is not expected thanks to low water levels in area rivers, but urban areas could see some local flooding thanks in part to storm drains clogged with fallen leaves. The NWS warned the Skokomish River in Mason County might reach flood stage and urged residents to clean out storm drains and gutters, put away patio furniture and gather flashlights and emergency radios in case of power outages.

The second storm, which is expected to hit late Wednesday, looks like the stronger of the two, and could bring wind gusts as high as 30 miles per hour. Sustained winds are not expected, but it could be enough to knock off leaves and prune small branches on trees.

The NWS also said a third storm could hit the region next weekend, bringing more rain and wind.

Seattlepi.com reporter Stephen Cohen can be reached at 206-448-8313 or stephencohen@seattlepi.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter at @scohenPI.