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Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025
Outside the box.
Second Atmospheric River Threatens Western Washington as Flooding Crisis Unfolds
New deluge expected to worsen flood, landslide and coastal-flood risks after record-breaking rainfall
Western Washington entered a critical flooding phase as a second powerful atmospheric river made landfall on Tuesday night, threatening to exacerbate an already severe hydrological emergency that began earlier this week.
Forecasters warned the new moisture surge would bring prolonged heavy rain, rapid river rises, strong winds and elevated dangers of landslides and urban flooding across the region.
Communities in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties have already seen roads closed, water rescues and swollen rivers.
At Snoqualmie Falls, water levels reached 17.8 feet — the highest since 2015 — reflecting the intensity of the first round of precipitation.
As rivers surged, authorities issued flood warnings for multiple rivers, including the Snoqualmie and Tolt, with dozens of stream gauges projected to hit bankfull or higher.
The new atmospheric river is predicted to dump another several inches of rainfall across the Puget Sound lowlands and up to eight inches in mountain zones by mid-week.
Rivers flowing from the Cascades into lowland areas are particularly vulnerable; forecasts suggest some may crest at major-flood levels, raising the risk of widespread inundation in river valleys and urban areas.
Emergency services have already responded to flood-related incidents, including rescues of people trapped by rising water.
High winds — forecast to gust up to 40-45 mph — could bring down trees and power lines, further complicating response efforts and heightening danger across coastal and inland areas.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone or low-lying zones to evacuate or prepare for possible mandatory evacuation orders if river levels continue to rise.
Soil saturation has raised the risk of debris flows, especially in steep terrain and recent burn-scar zones of the Cascades, where even modest rain can trigger landslides.
With a series of atmospheric rivers expected to strike through the rest of the week, experts warn the flooding could rank among the worst in recent years for western Washington.
Attention now turns to whether rivers will peak before conditions ease — and whether critical infrastructure, from roadways to power grids, can hold until the rain stops.
Forecasters warned the new moisture surge would bring prolonged heavy rain, rapid river rises, strong winds and elevated dangers of landslides and urban flooding across the region.
Communities in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties have already seen roads closed, water rescues and swollen rivers.
At Snoqualmie Falls, water levels reached 17.8 feet — the highest since 2015 — reflecting the intensity of the first round of precipitation.
As rivers surged, authorities issued flood warnings for multiple rivers, including the Snoqualmie and Tolt, with dozens of stream gauges projected to hit bankfull or higher.
The new atmospheric river is predicted to dump another several inches of rainfall across the Puget Sound lowlands and up to eight inches in mountain zones by mid-week.
Rivers flowing from the Cascades into lowland areas are particularly vulnerable; forecasts suggest some may crest at major-flood levels, raising the risk of widespread inundation in river valleys and urban areas.
Emergency services have already responded to flood-related incidents, including rescues of people trapped by rising water.
High winds — forecast to gust up to 40-45 mph — could bring down trees and power lines, further complicating response efforts and heightening danger across coastal and inland areas.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone or low-lying zones to evacuate or prepare for possible mandatory evacuation orders if river levels continue to rise.
Soil saturation has raised the risk of debris flows, especially in steep terrain and recent burn-scar zones of the Cascades, where even modest rain can trigger landslides.
With a series of atmospheric rivers expected to strike through the rest of the week, experts warn the flooding could rank among the worst in recent years for western Washington.
Attention now turns to whether rivers will peak before conditions ease — and whether critical infrastructure, from roadways to power grids, can hold until the rain stops.
