Heavy December rains have unleashed dangerous flooding across the Pacific Northwest, swamping highways, washing out local roads and forcing major disruptions to rail and bus networks just as the region enters one of its busiest travel periods.

From Seattle to Vancouver and inland over the Cascades, swelling rivers and saturated hillsides have turned routine commutes and long distance trips into complicated logistical problems for residents and visitors alike.

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Atmospheric river brings record flooding to the region

The current crisis stems from an intense atmospheric river that parked over the Pacific Northwest in early December, funneling a plume of deep Pacific moisture into western Washington, British Columbia and parts of Oregon and Idaho. Meteorologists report more than 10 inches of rain in some mountain locations over just a few days, rapidly overwhelming rivers already running high after a wet autumn.

Several key rivers in western Washington, including the Skagit, Snohomish, Snoqualmie and Cowlitz, have reached or exceeded major flood stage, with water spilling into low lying neighborhoods, farmland and critical transportation corridors.

By December 11, Washington’s governor had declared a statewide emergency as waters rose and mudslides began cutting across highways. Emergency managers warned that even as the heaviest rain shifted east and south, the lag between rainfall and river cresting meant communities and transport infrastructure would continue to face threats well into the second half of December.

In British Columbia, officials described the situation as evolving and highly dynamic, with floodwaters interacting with steep terrain and early season snowpack to complicate forecasts and response.

For travelers, the pattern of flooding has been especially disruptive because it affects both the coastal north south corridor and the main east west routes that connect coastal cities with interior communities. In some areas, multiple routes have been cut at once, leaving few alternatives for motorists and public transport operators.

The heaviest impacts in Washington have struck the roads that climb into and across the Cascade Range. A roughly 50 mile stretch of U.S. Route 2 over Stevens Pass has been shut down between Index and Coles Corner after multiple landslides dumped mud, rocks and trees onto the highway and floodwaters undermined sections of roadway.

State officials now warn that damage along this corridor is so extensive that full reopening could take months, not days, disrupting a vital connection between the Puget Sound region and communities in central and eastern Washington.

Further south, U.S. Route 12 in Lewis County has also seen serious damage where the Cowlitz River spilled out of its banks and sent water and debris across pavement.

Sections of the highway east of Morton were submerged, triggering evacuations in low lying communities such as Packwood and Randle. Portions of State Routes 6 and 508 in the same county have been closed by high water, leaving local residents and freight haulers facing long and circuitous detours.

Other mountain passes were not spared. Landslides blocked portions of Interstate 90 east of Seattle, temporarily stranding vehicles behind tangles of downed trees and deep mud. While emergency crews have managed to reopen parts of I 90 and U.S. 97 at times, shifting debris and ongoing slope instability have required repeated closures and strict speed or lane restrictions.

On State Route 410 near Enumclaw, floodwaters undercut the roadbed and caused a partial collapse, forcing authorities to install temporary one lane controls and warning that a permanent fix will take considerable time.

With so many parallel mountain routes damaged or closed at once, state transportation officials are cautioning drivers to reconsider discretionary travel across the Cascades, warning that conditions can change quickly and that there may be no realistic detour options in some corridors if another slide or washout occurs.

British Columbia’s highway network under pressure

North of the border, British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley have also seen a cascade of closures on their outbound routes. Provincial transportation officials have temporarily shut several major highways, including portions of Highway 1, Highway 3, Highway 5 and Highway 7, in response to flooding, falling rocks and elevated avalanche risk in the steep terrain east of Vancouver.

In some cases, water has overtopped bridge approaches or destroyed shoulders, while in others, crews are contending with unstable slopes that could send further debris onto lanes with little warning.

By mid December, only a limited set of routes remained consistently open between Vancouver and the rest of the province, and travelers have been told to expect extended closure periods and last minute changes.

Authorities are strongly discouraging non essential travel between the coast and interior and urging commercial drivers to check current advisories multiple times per day. Even where lanes remain passable, convoys of heavy trucks sharing narrow surviving corridors have led to congestion, long queues and sharply reduced travel speeds.

Local routes in flood hit communities across the Fraser Valley have also been compromised. Rural roads and dike top connectors that normally provide alternate paths for residents and agricultural operations are in places underwater or damaged, limiting the ability of both locals and passing travelers to improvise new routes.

With some neighborhoods ringed by high water and others accessible only via a single undamaged road, emergency vehicles, supply trucks and residents themselves have had to coordinate movements much more tightly than usual.

Rail and public transit disruptions, including Amtrak suspensions

The severe weather has not only impacted highways but also the region’s rail and transit systems, compounding difficulties for travelers without private vehicles. Amtrak has suspended passenger rail service between Seattle and Vancouver as of mid December, citing elevated flood levels along the Skagit River and concerns about track stability and debris.

The suspension affects Amtrak Cascades service that normally connects Eugene, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, a key route for tourists and cross border commuters.

Rail operators are monitoring river gauges and inspecting rail beds for erosion and washouts. While freight trains have in some cases been rerouted or operated under speed restrictions, passenger trains are generally held to higher safety thresholds, and there is currently no firm timeline for full service restoration north of Seattle.

Some trains within Washington and Oregon continue to run on adjusted schedules, but Amtrak is advising passengers to expect cancellations, substitute buses on short notice and capacity constraints on remaining segments.

Urban and regional bus systems have also been affected as rivers and creeks have spilled onto arterial roads. In the Seattle area, bus routes near the Snohomish, Snoqualmie and Cedar rivers have seen repeated detours, forcing coaches onto higher, sometimes more congested terrain.

In flood threatened areas, certain stops have been suspended entirely, leaving some riders with longer walks or no practical service until waters recede.

On the water, the King County Water Taxi system in Seattle has had to adapt to increased debris in Elliott Bay carried down from flooded rivers. To keep services running safely across the bay, crews have been equipped with upgraded visibility tools designed to help them spot submerged hazards in unusually murky waters.

While sailings have largely continued, authorities caution that schedules remain subject to weather and debris conditions and that passengers should verify departure times on the day of travel.

Motorists face closures, detours and limited alternatives

For individual drivers and road trippers, the rapidly evolving conditions translate into a travel landscape where familiar assumptions no longer apply. Routes that for decades have provided predictable access across the region now may be impassable, restricted to one lane, or open only at certain hours for escorted convoys.

Roadside signage sometimes lags behind on the ground realities, especially on local or rural roads where conditions can deteriorate between inspections.

Travel authorities are urging anyone contemplating trips through western Washington, the Cascades or southern British Columbia to build in significant extra time, carry emergency supplies and be prepared to turn back if confronted with water over the roadway or active slide zones.

Travelers are advised never to attempt driving through standing or moving water, as officers report multiple rescues of motorists whose vehicles were swept off roads or stalled in deceptively deep flood pools. Even shallow looking water can conceal washed out pavement, sharp debris or strong currents.

Fuel availability has so far held up across most of the region, but isolated stations in cut off communities have seen spikes in demand as residents and stranded travelers top up tanks while waiting for routes to reopen.

Lodging has tightened in some towns that sit on the safe side of major closures, as long haul truck drivers and motorists seek unexpected overnight stays rather than risk driving in the dark amid unstable slopes and fast changing river levels.

Insurance companies and auto clubs report a jump in roadside assistance calls related to flooding, including tows for water damaged engines, tire punctures from debris and recoveries of vehicles stranded behind washed out segments. For many visitors, these realities are reinforcing the need to treat forecasts and road advisories as central parts of trip planning rather than afterthoughts.

Impact on communities, tourism and holiday travel

The timing of the floods is particularly painful for communities that rely on tourism and holiday travel. Mountain towns that typically welcome skiers, snowshoers and winter hikers in December are now focused on cleanup, damage assessments and basic access.

Resorts reachable by the damaged sections of U.S. Route 2 and State Route 410, for example, face uncertainty about whether guests will be able to reach them by car for upcoming holiday stays, or whether reservations will need to be cancelled or shifted to later in the season.

In agricultural valleys from the Skagit to the Fraser, flooded fields and damaged farm roads are complicating both local supply chains and agritourism operations. Farm stands, tasting rooms and rural bed and breakfasts that count on December visitors for end of year revenue have seen bookings dropped or postponed as images of submerged barns and rescue operations make national and international headlines.

Even businesses outside direct flood zones report cancellations from travelers who are concerned about the overall state of the region’s transport network.

At the same time, local tourism boards and city officials in core hubs like Seattle and Vancouver emphasize that their downtowns and main cultural districts remain open, though with some delays in reaching the cities from outlying areas.

They note that the primary highway between Seattle and Vancouver remains open for now, even as many feeder routes and cross mountain connections are compromised. Visitors who have already arrived are being encouraged to explore local attractions reachable by city transit or on foot, while those still planning trips are advised to maintain flexible itineraries and closely watch updates from transport agencies.

For residents, especially those in evacuated areas or on limited access roads, the transport disruption has more immediate consequences. Commuting to work or school has become significantly harder or impossible, medical appointments are being rescheduled, and families separated by closed corridors face delays in reuniting for the holidays.

Volunteer groups and local authorities are stepping in with shuttles, supply deliveries and temporary shelters, but many communities acknowledge they will be dealing with ripple effects from this event well into 2026.

What travelers should do now

Authorities across the Pacific Northwest are stressing that conditions remain fluid, and travelers should not assume that a road that was open yesterday will necessarily be open today. Before setting out, motorists are urged to check official state and provincial transport alerts, local county or municipal channels, and real time traffic maps. For cross border trips, it is particularly important to review both U.S. and Canadian updates, as requirements and conditions can differ on either side of the line.

For rail passengers, the suspension of Amtrak service between Seattle and Vancouver means building extra flexibility into plans. Some travelers are turning to intercity bus services or short haul flights as alternatives, but these options can sell out quickly during peak periods.

Anyone holding advance rail tickets should monitor their booking details and communication from the operator, as rebooking or refunds may be required. Where replacement buses are offered, travelers should anticipate longer journey times and potential weather related delays.

Public transit riders in the Seattle metro area, the Fraser Valley and smaller affected cities are encouraged to consult route specific alerts each day. Detours due to flooding can substantially change stop locations and trip length.

Riders with mobility challenges may wish to contact transit agencies in advance to confirm accessible options, particularly in zones where elevators, ramps or curb cuts could be impacted by water or debris.

Finally, both residents and visitors are being asked to stay clear of closed roads and rail lines, even for photographs or sightseeing. Entering active work zones or walking on damaged infrastructure can not only put individuals at risk but also slow the pace of inspections and repairs that are crucial to restoring normal travel around the region.

FAQ

Q1: Is it currently possible to travel by Amtrak between Seattle and Vancouver?
Amtrak has suspended passenger rail service between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, due to elevated flood levels and concerns about track conditions along the Skagit River corridor. Travelers on this route should consider alternate transport and monitor official Amtrak updates for any changes.

Q2: Are all routes between Seattle and Vancouver closed by flooding?
No. While multiple highways in British Columbia and Washington have experienced closures, the primary highway corridor between Seattle and Vancouver remains open as of late December, though conditions can change and drivers should verify status before traveling.

Q3: Which major east west routes in Washington are most affected?
The most serious impacts have been reported on U.S. Route 2 over Stevens Pass, parts of U.S. Route 12 in Lewis County, sections of Interstate 90 east of Seattle, State Route 410 near Enumclaw and several smaller state routes. Some of these corridors face long term closures or significant restrictions.

Q4: How long will highway closures likely last?
Short term closures related to standing water or minor slides may clear within days, but heavily damaged sections, such as parts of U.S. Route 2, are expected to require months of repair work. Timelines will depend on weather, funding and engineering assessments.

Q5: Is it safe to drive through shallow looking floodwater on the road?
No. Officials repeatedly warn that drivers should never attempt to cross water over the roadway. Depth and current strength can be deceptive, and water can hide washed out pavement or debris. Turning around and finding an alternate route is the recommended course of action.

Q6: How are public bus services being impacted?
Many bus routes in flood affected zones have detours, reduced frequencies or temporary stop closures, especially near rivers and low lying areas. Riders should check route specific alerts on the morning of travel, as detours can shift with changing river levels.

Q7: Are airports in Seattle and Vancouver affected by the flooding?
Seattle Tacoma International Airport and Vancouver International Airport have remained operational, though some access roads can experience congestion or minor delays. Most flood related disruption has centered on highways, local roads and rail rather than main aviation hubs.

Q8: What should tourists with upcoming trips to the Pacific Northwest do?
Tourists should keep their travel plans flexible, follow local news and official transport advisories, and be prepared to adjust itineraries if a particular mountain pass or rail segment remains closed. Many urban attractions are open, but reaching them from rural or interior areas may be more challenging.

Q9: Are there specific supplies travelers should carry if driving in the region?
Authorities recommend carrying extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a charged mobile phone and power bank, basic first aid items and any essential medications. In winter conditions, chains or appropriate snow tires may also be required in higher elevations.

Q10: Where can travelers get the most reliable, up to date information on closures?
The most reliable information typically comes from official state and provincial transportation departments, local emergency management offices and recognized transit and rail operators. Travelers should avoid relying solely on informal social media reports, which may be outdated or incomplete.