SEATTLE, Wash. — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle has issued a weather alert warning residents of heavy rain and increased landslide risks across Western Washington through Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Widespread Heavy Rain and Landslide Threat
The alert, released at 12:38 p.m. Friday, covers a wide area including the Cascades of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, and Lewis counties, as well as Olympic Peninsula foothills, coastal regions, and urban lowlands such as Seattle, Everett, Olympia, and the Puget Sound corridor.
The NWS warns that soils are already saturated from recent rainfall, and the additional precipitation could lead to landslides and debris flows, especially on steep slopes, coastal bluffs, and recently burned areas.
“Significant rainfall over the past week has increased soil moisture to high levels across Western Washington,” said the NWS. “This additional rain will heighten soil instability, increasing the risk of landslides and debris flows.”
The agency added that multiple landslides have already been reported in Whatcom, Skagit, and King counties, and more are possible before the storm tapers off. Even after the rain ends, ground instability could persist for several days.
Safety Tips for Drivers During Heavy Rain
Authorities are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution while traveling in affected areas. The National Weather Service provided several safety guidelines for wet-weather driving:
- Turn on headlights to improve visibility and signal your presence to others.
- Avoid puddles and low-lying areas, which can lead to hydroplaning or loss of control.
- Stay in the middle lanes where possible, as rainwater tends to collect near road edges.
- Keep a safe distance from large vehicles such as trucks and buses that can spray water and reduce visibility.
- Never drive through flooded roads — even shallow water can sweep away vehicles or damage engines.
Understanding Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning occurs when a thin layer of water forms between tires and the road, causing the vehicle to slide uncontrollably.
To prevent or recover from hydroplaning:
- Reduce speed when roads are wet.
- Ease off the accelerator — do not brake suddenly.
- Turn into the skid to regain steering control.
- Wait for traction to return before gently correcting course.
Outlook
The NWS forecasts continued rainfall through Saturday evening, followed by gradual improvement late in the weekend. However, the threat of landslides will remain elevated into early next week as saturated ground slowly stabilizes.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts, stay alert for flash flood warnings, and report any landslides or flooding to local authorities. Stay with HonkNews.com for continued updates on weather alerts and safety developments across Washington State.