Weather alert affecting Western Washington until Friday midday
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The NWS Seattle WA issued a report at 12:11 p.m. on Thursday for heavy rain until Friday at 12:15 p.m. The alert is for Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit counties, Cascades of Snohomish and Northern King counties, Cascades of Southern King County, Cascades of Pierce and Lewis counties, Foothills and Valleys of the North Cascades, Foothills and Valleys of Snohomish and Northern King Counties, Foothills and Valleys of Central King County, Foothills and Valleys of Pierce and Southern King Counties, Lowlands of Western Whatcom County, Lowlands of Western Skagit and Northwestern Snohomish counties, Downtown Everett / Marysville Area, Shoreline / Lynnwood / South Everett area, Eastside, City of Seattle, Lowlands of Pierce and Southern King counties, Olympia and Southern Puget Sound, Middle Chehalis River Valley, Willapa and Black Hills, Southern Hood Canal, Western Strait of Juan de Fuca, Lake Crescent Area Including US 101, Olympics, Foothills of the Western and Southern Olympic Peninsula, Northern Washington Coast, Grays Harbor County Coast and Lower Chehalis River Valley as well as San Juan County.
"Rainfall of 2 to 7 inches over the past 3 days has increased soil moisture to high levels across western Washington. Heavy rainfall of 0.75 up to 4 inches is expected over the next 30 hours. This amount of rain will put extra pressure on soil instability, leading to an increased threat of landslides and debris flows, especially from recent burned areas. Over the last couple days at least one landslide has been reported in King County. More landslides are possible. Areas most susceptible to landslides debris flows under these conditions are steep coastal bluffs, other steep hillsides or road cuts, and recent burned areas. A diminishing threat of landslides and debris flows will continue for several days after the rain ends," according to the NWS.
This alert is in effect until Friday at 12:15 p.m.
What steps to follow when driving in the rain?
- Turn on your headlights - Even when it's light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
- On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
- Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
- Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
- Avoid flooded zones - If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
- Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth - The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots Washington
This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 12:14 PM.