Landslide risk remains 'extreme' in some parts of Western Washington

SEATTLE -- The risk of landslides remained "extreme" in some parts of Western Washington as heavy rains and warm temperatures slammed the area Thursday.

According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, areas of King and Pierce counties remained at extreme risk for landslides. Other portions of Thurston and Kitsap counties remained at a high risk.



Westbound Interstate 90 was closed Thursday morning through Issaquah after a large slide came onto the highway.





Another slide was reported on the Maple Valley Highway at 5th in Renton. Dispatchers told Q13 News that mud and wires were on the road.



A slide in the 3400 block of East Pioneer Street in Puyallup closed the roadway, and a portion of SR 522 in Bothell was also closed due to trees over the road.



Mud and debris from a slide Wednesday in West Seattle remained overnight. Highland Park Way remained closed.

The DNR tweeted out warning signs of an impending landslide and what to watch for, including springs and sudden difficulty opening or closing doors.





Rain has pounded the area throughout February, greatly increasing the risk of hillside movement. Parts of Western Washington are on track for their wettest month in history.

Commuter trains into Seattle were canceled due to slides while another slide near Renton blocked part of Maple Valley Highway near Interstate 405.

The National Weather Service in Seattle says over 7 inches of rain has fallen in the Seattle area this month. Typically in February the city gets just under 2 inches.

Spokane County officials declared a state of emergency for flooding that washed out five area roads.