Severe Storms Drench Pacific Northwest, Prompting Flood Warnings and Rescues

Wed Dec 10 2025 00:12:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Pacific Northwest faces significant flooding as heavy storms bring relentless rain, prompting emergency responses and road closures.

The Pacific Northwest is under the watch of severe storms that have started to cause major flooding across western Washington and northwestern Oregon. Heavy rain is expected to continue, with local authorities responding to multiple flood-related emergencies, including rescues at campsites. The National Weather Service has issued warnings as rainfall swells rivers and places significant pressure on infrastructure.

The Pacific Northwest is bracing for a series of powerful storms that began hitting the region on Tuesday, unleashing heavy rain, swelling rivers, and necessitating rescues by local authorities.

The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center has forecasted a prolonged period of heavy rainfall across western Washington and northwestern Oregon. The trans-Pacific jet stream is contributing to these conditions, bringing significant rain along the coast and new snow in parts of the northern Rockies.

Flood warnings have been issued as officials estimate potential for scattered flash flooding along the coastal areas and the Cascades range throughout the week.

Emergency responders in Snohomish County, notably in the Gold Bar area, conducted successful evacuations as they rescued two individuals trapped by rising floodwaters at a campsite overnight.

The Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management alerted residents about ongoing flood emergencies, particularly as the Skykomish River reached major flood status. Police in Gold Bar went door-to-door to warn residents of impending floods.

As storm conditions intensified, the Washington State Department of Transportation closed eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 near North Bend due to falling debris, although the road was reopened later in the morning.

The Seattle office of the National Weather Service indicated that a strong storm system, characterized as an atmospheric river, has shifted location but additional rounds of heavy rain are anticipated later in the day.

Concern for public safety is high, with Portland transportation authorities warning residents of hazardous conditions during the Tuesday morning commute, emphasizing risk factors like hydroplaning on flooded roads.

In the Upper Midwest, another severe weather event was noted with forecasts for wintry conditions including freezing rain and heavy snowfall affecting several states, indicating a messy weather pattern across multiple regions.

Citizens are advised to exercise caution and prepare for travel disruptions as weather conditions evolve through the week.