Washington State Flood Emergency: Officials Urge Drivers
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple flood warnings across western and central Washington, urging motorists to exercise extreme caution as major flooding continues or is forecast along numerous rivers. Track road alerts and closures at resources below.
Washington state roadway alerts including flood alerts
https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/alerts
Social media and wsdot links
https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/mobile-app-and-social-media
Real time map of road hazards and alerts
https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/
The most severe flooding is occurring along the Puyallup, Cowlitz, Chehalis, and Nisqually Rivers, with additional flood warnings in effect for the Yakima, Naches, Newaukum, and Satsop Rivers, among others.
A particularly dangerous situation is unfolding on the Puyallup River near Orting, where flows have surged beyond 18,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with forecasts showing a peak near 22,470 cfs later this morning — approaching the flood of record. At that level, floodwaters are expected to inundate major stretches from Orting through McMillan to Sumner, threatening homes, roads, and farmland.
Officials warn that erosion could compromise levees, and floodwaters are likely to spread into tributaries and low-lying neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, the Cowlitz River at Randle and Packwood is forecast to reach major flood levels by Thursday morning, with near-record water stages threatening U.S. Highway 12 and adjacent communities. Moderate-to-major flooding is also expected along the Chehalis River, cutting off access through low-lying areas including parts of Independence Valley and Chehalis Reservation.
Flooding is not confined to western Washington. The Yakima and Naches Rivers in Central Washington are also above flood stage, causing risks to farmland, county roads, and rural communities near Naches, Parker, and Kiona.
Motorist Safety Warnings
Authorities emphasize one clear message: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
• Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or around barricades — even shallow water can sweep a vehicle away.
• Avoid nighttime travel where flooding may be harder to detect.
• Monitor detour routes, as rivers are expected to crest several times before receding through Friday and Saturday.
The NWS reminds residents and travelers that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Motorists are urged to stay tuned to local emergency alerts and NOAA Weather Radio for updates and possible evacuation notices.
Forecast Period and Additional Resources
According to the latest statementissued at 6:22 AM PST Wednesday), flood warnings remain in effect statewide through Friday and Saturday, depending on location. Conditions are expected to gradually improve by the weekend, though the Chehalis and Cowlitz Rivers may remain at elevated levels into early Saturday.
For live updates, monitor:
National Weather Service Seattle:
Emergency road closures:
HTTP://wsdot.com/travel/real-time
Flood safety information:
Surfside Washington News 