Preparing for Severe Weather

From atmospheric rivers and heavy rain to landslides and windstorms, Western Washington weather can change quickly. SDOT works year-round to keep people and goods moving safely, especially during fall and winter storm season. Here is how you can prepare for severe weather and how to report storm hazards.

Report a Hazard: What to Do 

When you see flooding, downed trees, or other hazards in the street or sidewalk: 

Call SDOT at 206-684-ROAD (7623) to report: 

• Flooded streets
• Clogged storm drains
• Fallen trees or large debris in the right-of-way
• Damaged or dark traffic signals 

Use the Find It, Fix It app to submit photos and locations of non-emergency issues. 

Call 911 immediately if: 

• There is an immediate risk to life or serious injury
• A landslide is actively affecting homes or streets
• A crash has occurred or people may be trapped 

Atmospheric Rivers & Heavy Rain 

Intense rainstorms—often called atmospheric rivers—can bring flooding, standing water, and saturated soils that increase landslide risk. 

How to stay safe 

• Never walk, bike, or drive through standing water. It may hide hazards or stall your car.
• Turn around, don’t drive through floodwaters. Even shallow water can be dangerous.
• Watch for changing conditions on steep or saturated hillsides.
• Report issues using 206-684-ROAD or Find It, Fix It, and call 911 for life-safety situations. 

How SDOT responds 

• Monitoring flood-prone streets and drainage trouble spots
• Clearing debris and downed trees
• Closing streets or adjusting traffic if conditions become unsafe
• Coordinating with SPU on drainage challenges 

Learn more about flooding

Landslides 

Seattle’s steep slopes and saturated soils make landslides more likely during long periods of rain. 

Warning signs 

Watch for: 

• New cracks or bulges in the ground or pavement
• Soil pulling away from foundations
• Leaning trees, poles, fences, or retaining walls
• Tilting patios, decks, or structures
• Broken or leaking water lines 

If you are near a slide 

• Move to higher, more stable ground if safe to do so.
• Stay away from the slide area—secondary slides can occur.
• Watch for flooding, which can follow landslides.
• Call 911 if anyone may be injured or trapped. 

After a landslide 

• Return only when authorities say it’s safe.
• Check your property for damage and follow utility guidance (water advisories, etc.).
• Report slide debris or blocked streets through 206-684-ROAD or Find It, Fix It. 

How SDOT responds 

• Assessing and stabilizing slide areas
• Creating safe detours or temporary traffic control
• Coordinating with private property owners when slides cross property lines
• Removing debris once it is safe for crews to enter 

Recovery work can take time due to short daylight hours or the need for coordination with utilities and property owners. 

Learn more about landslides

Windstorms

Windstorms can knock down trees, scatter debris, and create dangerous travel conditions. 

Before a windstorm 

• Secure outdoor furniture, bins, and objects that could blow into the street.
• Trim dead or weak branches on your property.
• Charge phones and power banks.
• Have flashlights and supplies ready.
• Monitor weather alerts from the National Weather Service. 

During a windstorm 

• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
• Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and report them to Seattle City Light (206) 684-3000.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts. 

After a windstorm 

• Carefully check for hazards, but do not touch downed lines or branches tangled in wires.
• Report fallen trees or blocked streets to SDOT.
• Avoid flooded streets or standing water.
• Clear storm drains only if it is safe to do so. 

Learn more about windstorms 

If You Must Drive During Severe Weather 

Travel conditions can change quickly. If you must be on the road: 

• Slow down and leave extra stopping distance.
• Turn on headlights (but avoid high beams in heavy rain).
• If visibility is poor, pull over safely and use hazard lights.
• Avoid all standing water—flooded roads may hide serious hazards.
• If your vehicle stalls in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Slow down and move over for SDOT crews, utility teams, and emergency responders.
• Treat dark traffic signals as all-way stops. 

Always watch for people walking, biking, or rolling. 

How we prepare for severe weather

SDOT crews and engineers work around the clock during severe weather to keep Seattle moving safely. 

Monitoring and preparation 

• We monitor weather forecasts and known flood-prone locations.
• We track low spots, steep slopes, and areas with past drainage issues.
• We prepare to close roads or reroute traffic if conditions become unsafe. 

Street cleaning and drainage 

• We increase street sweeping and leaf removal in the fall to help prevent blocked drains.
• Crews clear debris and downed trees from streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks. 
• We coordinate with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) when drainage issues are expected. 

Crews and resources 

• Emergency response teams are staffed 24/7 as conditions change.
• Crews and equipment are positioned across the city for rapid response.
• We coordinate with SPU, Seattle City Light, and emergency responders. 

Ongoing investments 

• We make long-term drainage improvements and landslide mitigation in key corridors.
• We maintain trees and gutters where possible to reduce storm-related blockages.