What is the location of the flooding?
On December 9, 2025, there are flood watches and flood advisories for most of western Washington State, northwestern Oregon, northern Idaho, and northwest Montana (1). Areas of southern British Columbia, Canada are also receiving a great deal of rain (2).
Flooding has also impacted rivers and creeks in southwestern Oregon (3). Strong winds have toppled trees, causing power outages across the region.
Heavy rain is expected to last through at least Wednesday.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Pacific Northwest cities affected by the flooding include:
- Bellingham, Washington
- Eugene, Oregon
- Everett, Washington
- Hamilton, Montana
- Olympia, Washington
- Port Angeles, Washington
- Portland, Oregon
- Salem, Oregon
- Seattle, Washington
- Tacoma, Washington
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Yakima, Washington
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
No evacuations have been issued for flooding in the Pacific Northwest as of 9:30 AM PT, December 9.
Flood watches are in effect for 14 Washington State counties, including King County. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay has issued an emergency proclamation (4).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
