By

Seattle Times business reporter

Following a dry and mild start to the weekend, the Seattle region can expect more rain and heavy wind on Sunday as another atmospheric river crosses over Western Washington.

Rainfall is expected to be heaviest along the Olympic Peninsula and north of King County, according to the National Weather Service.

Minor to moderate rain, wind and river flooding are projected across the region, with conditions expected to last through the end of next week. Major rain, wind and river flooding is forecast for Western Skagit County on Tuesday.

Snow levels peak between 8,000 to 9,500 feet, with river levels expected to rise. Conditions are expected to become milder by the end of next week, with snow levels dropping to 2,500 feet Wednesday and building up a depleted snowpack.

Next week’s flooding isn’t anticipated to be as severe as the devastation witnessed these past few days. In some areas, rivers have been receding over the weekend, but they’ll rise again early next week, the NWS warned.

On Friday and Saturday, many people returned to the homes they’d evacuated to assess the damage of last week’s floods. Based on the current forecast, some may have to brace for another round of flooding.

Major flooding is expected to linger along the Skagit River near Mount Vernon and Concrete. Moderate flooding is forecast in nine regions, including Pilchuck River near Snohomish, Skykomish River near Gold Bar and the Snoqualmie River near Carnation and Snoqualmie Falls.

The Skagit River may remain flooded for a while, county officials wrote in a news release Saturday.

“There is a very real potential that the river may not fall below flood stage until late next week,” the release read. The term “flood stage” refers to water levels that can cause property damage and present a threat to life.

Even so, there are a lot of weather risks to be on alert for, including potential landslides caused by heavily saturated soils.

The weather service also warned more rain could cause water to pool on roads, so factor that into your commute plans. Meanwhile, heavy winds could cause power outages and downed trees.

Jessica Fu: 206-464-8502 or jfu@seattletimes.com. Jessica Fu is a business reporter at The Seattle Times, where she covers affordability.