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December Winter Weather Update

by on December 9, 2025

12/15/25 National Weather Service (NWS) update:

The NWS Seattle Office has also issued a Special Weather Statement for the increased risk of landslides.  Numerous landslides have already been reported in the western Cascades in western Washington. More landslides are possible. 

A Flood Watch is in effect until Thursday, 12/18 at 4PM

A Wind Advisory is in effect until 10PM tonight

A separate High Wind Watch has been issued starting tomorrow (12/16) at 7PM until Wednesday (12/17) at 10AM

Seattle and the surrounding region may be impacted by high winds and a strong atmospheric river event that will bring heavy rain to western Washington today through Wednesday, leading to potential for flooding and landslides.

The City of Seattle is planning ahead and will be prepared to respond in case of major winter weather events coming this week. Check weather.gov/sew/ for updates and information. 

Stay Informed 

Winter weather events may cause delays in local services or temporary closures and reduction of hours. 

  • Emergency Alerts: If you would like to receive text, email, or phone alerts about service impacts and other emergencies, sign up for AlertSeattle. 

Safety Tips 

Plan ahead for how to protect your home, family, and furry friends, also be sure to check on neighbors who may need additional assistance. 

  • Sandbags: If you have experienced or nearly experienced flooding in the past, consider using sandbags. Seattle Public Utilities has a limited number of free filled sandbags available at different pickup locations around the city.
  • Heaters: Home heaters are working extra hard with the cold weather, and heating-related fires are the second most common type of fires this time of year. Before a cold weather event occurs, make sure your portable heater is independently tested and has an automatic shut off feature. 
  • Cooking: Never use charcoal grills or portable gas camp stoves indoors.  The fumes are deadly. 
  • Fireplaces: Make sure that chimneys and flues are not blocked. Move flammable materials at least three feet away from a fireplace or wood stove. 
  • Food: Eating spoiled food could make you sick, when in doubt, throw it out. If your power is out for more than 4 hours, throw out perishable food in your refrigerator. If possible, move perishable food to a cooler with icepacks. 
  • Animals: Have a go-kit ready for pets that includes food and medications and will last at least a week if the need to leave home arises or if you’re stuck at home due to inclement weather. More tips from the Seattle Animal Shelter here.  
  • Vehicles: Avoid car travel if possible but if essential be sure you have an emergency kit in the car including warm clothes and blanket, chains or other traction devices, full gas tank, antifreeze, and booster cables, snacks and water, sand/shovel, windshield scraper, and flares 

Landslides 

Seattle’s steep slopes, wet winters, and geology make landslides common, especially when soils become saturated during heavy rain or rapid snowmelt. 

The City is prepared to respond in the event of a landslide.  

  • Landslides that damage property: Leave the premises and call 9-1-1. If your home was damaged by a landslide, you should apply for an emergency repair permit. 
  • Landslides on private property: Leave if you have safety concerns. Call SDCI Code Compliance at (206) 615-0808 during business hours. 
  • Landslide blocking a street: Call SDOT 24/7 Street Maintenance at (206) 684-7623. 
  • Landslide on Seattle Parks property: Call the Seattle Parks Work Order line at (206) 684-7250. 
  • Determine if your property is in a landslide-prone area. Consult a private geotechnical engineer for an evaluation if you see signs of earth movement like leaning trees or cracking soil. 

Indoor Spaces 

Public-facing city facilities, including libraries and community centers, are generally open and available during their regular business hours. In the event of extreme cold or extended power outages they can serve as a space to stay warm and charge devices. 

  • Overnight Shelter: The King County Regional Homelessness Authority manages shelters for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. In the event of severe winter weather overnight shelters are activated, click here to check. 
  • Seattle Center: Seattle Center Armory is generally open 7 AM – 8 PM daily and can be utilized as a warming and electronics charging station. Check hours here. 
  • Community Centers: Please check here for information about any impacts to community center hours or programming and call the school-age/preschool hotline, 206-684-4203, for updates on those programs.  
  • Libraries: Please visit spl.org/Today or your branch webpage on spl.org before visiting to learn about any unanticipated closures or delays in opening. 

Infrastructure 

Transportation

  • SDOT is prepared to keep people and freight moving safely by: 
  • Monitoring weather conditions and known flood-prone areas citywide 
  • Clearing debris and leaves and responding quickly to downed trees or hazards in the road to help prevent flooding and detours 
  • Plowing and treating streets to address snow and ice 
  • Ongoing coordination with SPU, SCL and other City departments to address drainage concerns, downed powerlines, and landslides to keep streets safe 

Power

  • City Light crews are prepared to respond around the clock to restore power in case of any outages related to severe weather. 
  • Call (206) 684-3000 to report an outage. 
  • If you see a downed power line, call 9-1-1. Do not touch or approach a downed power line, assume all wires are energized and dangerous. 
  • Current outage map for City Light here. 

Water

  • Seattle Public Utilities crews are prepared to respond around the clock in case of burst pipes or service disruptions. 
  • Protect water pipes from freezing in exposed or unheated areas (attics, basements, and garages) before a cold weather event by wrapping them with tape and insulating materials from hardware stores. 
  • Solid waste pickup may be delayed in the case of severe snow or ice. Check here for any updates to the regular collection schedule. 
  • Help keep storm drains clear of leaves and debris before a storm to avoid potential flooding. Learn more here.

You Can Help

  • Clear leaves off storm drains near your home or business to keep water moving and prevent flooding. 
  • Obey street closed signs on steep streets for your safety and neighbors 
Filed Under: Office of the Mayor