Dust storms triggered a multi-vehicle crash on US-195 near Spangle on May 13, 2026, while another crash was reported on I-90 near Spokane. Authorities reported near-zero visibility in the area, with the crashes causing both routes to be closed for over 10 hours.
A multi-day atmospheric river event affecting western Washington, United States, since March 15, 2026, is elevating flood potential as cumulative rainfall and snowmelt impact the regional river basins. Prolonged precipitation and high snow levels are leading to rising rivers, with flood risk expected to persist through early March 21.
A stalled atmospheric river over the Pacific Northwest is forecast to deliver 127–254 mm (5–10 inches) of precipitation to parts of Washington between March 17 and 20, 2026. High freezing levels above 2 100 m (7 000 feet) will result in rainfall across most elevations, accelerating snowmelt and increasing the likelihood of riverine flooding.
Heavy snowfall caused multiple vehicle spinouts and crashes on I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass in Washington, forcing authorities to close the highway in both directions on March 13 and keep it closed overnight into March 14, 2026. Snoqualmie Pass received about 56 cm (22 inches) of new snow overnight, while the Summit at Snoqualmie reported about 107 cm (42 inches) over 48 hours during the storm.
An atmospheric river made landfall in the Pacific Northwest during the morning of March 11, 2026, bringing heavy rain and snow across portions of Washington and Oregon. Forecasts show that the event will continue affecting the region through early March 14, producing significant precipitation totals, flooding concerns, and major winter weather impacts in mountainous terrain.
Two atmospheric rivers are forecast to hit the Pacific Northwest beginning late March 10, 2026, bringing heavy rainfall to coastal areas and significant snowfall to higher elevations in Washington and Oregon. Precipitation totals of 180–380 mm (7–15 inches) are forecast in mountainous regions, with the potential for river rises and localized flooding through the week.
Snow squall warnings were issued for parts of Washington on January 7, 2026 as a severe winter storm brought heavy snowfall across the region, triggering multiple crashes, and prompting road closures.
A levee breach along the White River prompted evacuation orders and Flash Flood Warning for the city of Pacific on December 16, 2025.
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.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple high wind warnings and watches across the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies on Monday, December 15, 2025, as a strong surface low-pressure system moved into the region. The alerts cover parts of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, and remain in effect through Wednesday afternoon, December 17, with sustained winds of 40–70 km/h (25–45 mph) and gusts exceeding 110 km/h (70 mph) forecast in exposed and mountainous areas.
