Beyond dam breaches near Seattle, the barrage of atmospheric rivers in recent days has increased the threat of flooding and landslides in the region. Residents should pay attention to the National Weather Service and local authorities throughout the week for guidance and information.

While flooding may not reach the historic levels seen last week, a KIRO 7 meteorologist said the overall impacts could actually be worse.

Some rivers may break records. Already, overnight into Tuesday, the Naselle River near Naselle, Washington, has gone from its normal 5 foot depth to nearly 20 feet deep, growing by 10 feet in 12 hours and coming within less than 1 foot of the historical record.

The National Water Center said that "considerable" flooding impacts are expected across the Cascade Foothills to Puget Sound, with urban and minor river flooding also possible throughout the remainder of western Washington and parts of northern Oregon. It also warned that landslides would be possible along the Cascade Foothills.

Parts of California are bracing for a series of rain and wind events over the next week as back-to-back atmospheric rivers move through the state.

Inside the cockpit of a NOAA Gulfstream IV during an atmospheric river mission in February 2025. Image credit: Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego.

The Skagit River is predicted to crest at more than 47 feet near the town of Concrete, north of Seattle, 15 inches above the threshold for a major flooding event.

The US Geological Survey and the State Department of Natural Resources are both concerned about the risk of widespread landslides in the coming days.