Landslide forced closure of westbound I-90 in Issaquah for hours

ISSAQUAH, Wash -- A landslide blocked westbound lanes of I-90 through Issaquah Thursday morning.

The Washington State Patrol said one vehicle was high centered and at least 13 other vehicles were disabled in the slide that closed all lanes. There were no reports of injuries.

Trooper Rick Johnson says that due to recent heavy rains, a retention pond above the slope had been overflowing, sending water down toward the highway, and that appears to have caused the slide. Crews used heavy machinery to divert the water away from the slope.

All lanes of westbound I-90 near E Sunset Way were back open by 3 p.m.



The landslide was blocking the highway near Issaquah's Front Street.

Troopers said to expect long-term traffic control, and they encouraged caution as drivers approached the area. No estimated time for full reopening was given.

Wet, wet, wet

Western Washington has been slammed with days of heavy rain, making it one of the wettest Februaries in history.

A slide was reported Thursday morning in Puyallup, closing a portion of East Pioneer Street. A slide also blocked a lane of SR 522 in Bothell.

Q13 News Meteorologist Rebecca Stevenson said an increased risk of landslides persisted under 6,000 feet.