Two atmospheric rivers are forecast to bring prolonged heavy rain and mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest and northern California through December 20, 2025. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) forecasts 100–150 mm (4–6 inches) of precipitation across western Washington and 100–200 mm (4–8 inches) across western Oregon, with locally higher totals in the Cascades and coastal ranges.
Evacuation notice and the Flash Flood warnings were lifted for King County after crews successfully contained the Green River Levee which failed near Tukwila, Washington on December 15, 2025, triggering flash floods in the area.
A strong atmospheric river brought significant flooding to parts of the Pacific Northwest through December 9, 2025, with rainfall rates in the Cascades exceeding 13 mm (0.5 inch) per hour and the Snoqualmie River cresting at 5.4 m (17.8 feet), its highest level in more than 10 years.
A major atmospheric river (AR4–AR5 possible) is forecast to make landfall over the Pacific Northwest early Monday, December 8, 2025, and persist through Wednesday, December 10, bringing multiple days of heavy rain and elevated snow levels. Ensemble guidance shows ~70–80% of members reaching at least AR4 in southern coastal Washington, with ~20–30% indicating AR5, raising the risk of widespread riverine flooding.
The Pacific Northwest will see back-to-back atmospheric rivers (ARs) beginning late Thursday, October 23, 2025, bringing significant precipitation and unsettled weather conditions through the end of October.The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Marginal Risk of excessive rainfall for coastal areas of Washington, Oregon, and northern California as the AR approaches.
A dust storm with near-zero visibility contributed to two crashes on US 395 near Connell, Washington, on May 31, 2025, resulting in one death and five injuries, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Severe thunderstorms swept through Seattle and much of the Pacific Northwest on March 26, 2025, after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued the first Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Seattle since 1999. The storms brought hail, rain, and frequent lightning that damaged multiple structures.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a rare level 2 out of 5, or Slight Risk, for severe thunderstorms across parts of the Pacific Northwest from March 26 to 27, potentially impacting over 7.2 million people in major cities such as Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver. The threats include hail in excess of 2.5 cm (1 inch), wind gusts over 93 km/h (58 mph), and possible isolated tornadoes.
A series of atmospheric rivers (ARs) is forecast to bring heavy precipitation, flooding risks, and winter storm impacts to the U.S. West Coast this week, with the first AR making landfall on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The fourth and fifth ARs are forecast to make landfall on December 21 and 22. Up to 500 mm (20 inches) of rain expected in some areas and significant streamflow rises in western Washington and Oregon.
A late-season atmospheric river event is set to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Pacific Northwest starting Sunday, June 2, 2024. The weather system is expected to impact several regions, including the Cascades and the Seattle metro area, with potential flooding and significant rainfall.
