Flood watches and warnings were issued across western Oregon and Washington on December 7, 2025, valid through December 12, as strong atmospheric river produces sustained rainfall, rising river levels and increasing landslide risk.
Satellite image of the US Pacific Northwest with rain radar as of 13:40 UTC on December 7, 2025. Credit: NOAA/GOES-19, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
A strong atmospheric river will impact the Pacific Northwest through late December 11, bringing persistent rain to western Oregon and Washington. National Weather Service offices in Portland and Seattle warned of possible river and urban flooding, as well as landslides in steep terrain and burn-scar areas.
A Flood Watch from NWS Portland covers large areas of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, including coastal counties, the Willamette Valley, and Cascade foothills. The watch remains in effect from late December 7 through late December 11.
There is a 40–80 % probability of flooding on rivers draining the Coastal Range and Willamette tributaries, while the probability along the Willamette main stem remains below 10 %. Urban and roadway flooding may occur, and saturated soils could lead to landslides or debris flows.
NWS Seattle issued a Flood Watch for western Washington, including the Olympic Peninsula, Puget Sound lowlands, and Cascade foothills, effective from the night of December 7 through the afternoon of December 12. Sharp rises are possible on rivers flowing from the Olympics and Cascades, with small-stream and urban flooding possible in areas with poor drainage. Burn-scar locations face an elevated risk of debris flows.
At 01:29 PST on December 7, NWS Portland issued Flood Warnings for three rivers. Wilson River near Tillamook, Tillamook County, Oregon is forecast to rise above flood stage on December 8, reaching approximately 4.60 m (15.1 feet) late that night. Moderate flooding is expected along U.S. 101 north of the Tillamook Creamery, with low-lying road and pasture flooding along Makinster Road and Goodspeed Road.
Johnson Creek at Sycamore, Clackamas and Multnomah Counties, Oregon is expected to exceed flood stage late on December 8, cresting near 3.6 m (11.9 feet) on December 9 and near 3.6 m (12 feet) early on December 10. Minor to moderate flooding is likely between SE 92nd and SE 122nd streets and along SE Harold Street. NWS estimates a 70 % probability of moderate flooding and a 60 % probability of major flooding.
Grays River at Covered Bridge near Rosburg, Wahkiakum County, Washington is forecast to rise above flood stage on December 8 and reach approximately 9.17 m (30.1 feet) on the afternoon of December 10.
Widespread lowland flooding and several road closures, including Covered Bridge Rd and the Altoona Bridge approaches, are possible. Repeated rises may occur as successive rain bands move across the region.
Heavy rain is expected from December 8 through December 10, with lighter rain continuing into December 12. Excessive runoff may cause flooding in low-lying and urban areas and lead to rapid rises on smaller streams.
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References:
1 Flood Warning – NWS – December 7, 2025
2 Flood Watch – NWS – December 7, 2025
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