A High Wind Warning has been issued for tonight (Tues. Dec. 16, 2025). The High Wind Warning is effective from 7 PM tonight through 6 AM Wednesday. Forecasters are expecting southwest or west winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph.
These damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Saturated soils will make it easier for trees to come down in these winds.
People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.
The Flood Warning continues for the Skokomish River until Friday afternoon.
The National Weather service says “moderate flooding” is occurring and forecast. However, officials also say, “This approaches the flood of record.” And “This crest compares to a previous crest of 17.6 feet on 10/20/2003.”
At last report, the Skokomish River was at 17.8 feet. Flood state is 16.5 feet. The river will fall to 16.8 feet late this afternoon. The Skokomish will then rise to 17.7 feet late tonight and fall below flood stage early Thursday morning to 16.4 feet late Thursday morning. The Skokomish River will then rise above flood stage early Thursday afternoon to 16.9 feet late Thursday evening. It will fall below flood stage again Friday morning.
At 17.5 feet, the Skokomish River will cause moderate flooding, with deep and quick flood waters inundating some residential areas, many roads, and much of the farm land in the Skokomish Valley. Inundated roads include the Skokomish Valley Road, Bourgault Road West, Purdy Cutoff Road, and Highway 106.
Mason County Public Works has closed the Skokomish Valley Road and Bourgault Road West to all through traffic due to flooding.
Heavy rainfall during the last week, including today, will heighten the increased threat of landslides in Western Washington.
Rainfall from the past week has increased soil moisture to high levels across western Washington. Additional rainfall of one to three inches is expected with the system today into Wednesday morning. This amount of rain will continue to put extra pressure on soil instability, leading to an increased threat of landslides and debris flows, especially from recent burned areas. This rain event could act as a trigger for new landslides.
Areas most susceptible to landslides debris flows under these conditions are steep coastal bluffs, other steep hillsides or road cuts, and recent burned areas. A diminishing threat of landslides and debris flows will continue for several days after the rain ends.