Seattle, WA – The National Weather Service has maintained and expanded Flood Watches across much of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and western Montana as a prolonged atmospheric river continues to deliver heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, and flooding potential through Friday, December 12, 2025.
The combination of tropical moisture, mild temperatures, and persistent rain bands is causing rivers, creeks, and urban waterways to rise sharply, with several already approaching or exceeding flood stage.
In western Washington, the Flood Watch includes King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, Lewis, Mason, and Whatcom Counties, as well as the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound lowlands. The NWS Seattle office warns that urban, river, and small stream flooding remains likely, with landslide risks increasing on saturated slopes and burn scars.
In northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, the NWS Portland office reports rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches in the Cascades, Coast Range, and coastal areas, with 2–5 inches possible across the Willamette Valley and Portland metro. Several rivers, including the Nehalem, Pudding, and Johnson Creek, have a 70–80% chance of reaching minor flood stage.
Across north Idaho and western Montana, additional watches are in effect for the Coeur d’Alene, Flathead, Clearwater, and Bitterroot regions. The Missoula and Spokane offices note that rain-on-snow events and rising snow levels (to 6,000–9,000 feet) could accelerate snowmelt runoff, heightening the risk of mudslides and road washouts in mountain passes.
In central Washington, the Yakima, Naches, and Klickitat River basins are also under a Flood Watch as heavy rainfall continues through Friday morning.
Impacts:
- Urban flooding and poor drainage issues in metro areas.
- Rapid rises on rivers and creeks, especially off the Olympics and Cascades.
- Increased risk of landslides, debris flows, and mudslides in steep terrain.
- Travel disruptions possible from road closures and water over highways.
Residents are urged to monitor updated forecasts, avoid flooded roadways, and prepare for potential flood warnings as rainfall continues. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” remains critical advice—most flood fatalities occur in vehicles.
