Historic rainfall keeps major routes closed across region
Dec 11, 2025, 6:22 AM | Updated: 7:36 am
Screenshot of WSDOT map tracking road and highway closures in Washington. (Photo courtesy of WSDOT)
(Photo courtesy of WSDOT)
The Pacific Northwest is getting hammered by a relentless atmospheric river, bringing torrential downpours, high winds, and warm temperatures for this time of year. These conditions are ripe for historic flooding, mudslides, and downed trees across the region, including on surface streets and major highways.
As rain continues to fall, roads may continue to flood. Things to keep in mind these next few days🧵
1. Road conditions can change quickly, but your GPS apps may not have the most recent info. Check our travel map for the most accurate current conditions: https://t.co/LNGyhYA64Y pic.twitter.com/DkGDcDdupX
— Washington State DOT (@wsdot) December 10, 2025
Eastbound I-90 near North Bend
As of late Wednesday evening, some of the state’s highways that remain closed include eastbound I-90 between Winery Road, at milepost 27, and 436th Avenue S.E., at milepost 32 near North Bend, due to a mudslide.
As of Wednesday evening, drivers were still able to exit at Winery Road, at milepost 27, and access North Bend via West North Bend Way, but it was a slow ride with bumper-to-bumper traffic along the three-mile detour route.
As of 9 p.m., there was no estimated time to reopen eastbound I-90.
US 2 between Index and Coles Corner
By early Wednesday afternoon, both directions of US 2 were closed between Index, at milepost 35, and Coles Corner, at milepost 85, due to mudslides and flooding. The closure extended into the overnight hours with local jurisdictions working on response efforts.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) stated that they will assess the highway conditions Thursday morning and decide what steps to take next. As of Wednesday evening, there was no estimated time to reopen.
This leaves I-90 and US 12 as the only cross-state highways until further notice, as of this reporting.
US 97 Blewett Pass
In Eastern Washington, both directions of US 97-Blewett Pass remain closed between the SR 970 Junction, at milepost 149, and Ingalls Creek Road, at milepost 177, due to downed trees in several locations.
WSDOT said there is no estimated time to reopen this stretch of highway. Crews are expected to begin clearing trees at first light Thursday morning. With the closures of US 2 and US 97, traveling to Leavenworth will have to be via Wenatchee to the east.
SR 203 Carnation-Falls City
Both directions of SR 203/Falls City Carnation Road N.E. remain closed due to flooding from the nearby Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers. WSDOT will assess the situation on Thursday morning; meanwhile, drivers should seek an alternate route and never attempt to drive past road closure signs.
SR 18 on Tiger Mountain
SR 18 is fully closed at I-90 and the Issaquah Hobart Road due to a mudslide at Tiger Mountain.
Nate Connors is a traffic reporter for KIRO Newsradio. Follow him on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.
Follow @https://twitter.com/kirotraffic
