Washington’s extreme weather and earthquakes: Stories & impact

A collection of recent reports highlights extreme weather events and seismic activity affecting Washington state communities, emphasizing the challenges posed by nature’s volatility.

This collection of stories illustrates the diverse impacts of such events, from power outages in Sudden Valley caused by a rare bomb cyclone to traffic disruptions after a landslide blocked Interstate 5 in Bellingham. Weather-related road hazards, such as black ice during periods of freezing weather in Whatcom County, emphasize the importance of local preparedness.

At the same time, a string of earthquakes, including a 4.5 magnitude tremor near Orcas Island, underscored the region's vulnerability due to its location near the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

As communities face these challenges, experts recommend practical preparedness steps, such as emergency kits and infrastructure awareness, to mitigate risks and improve response efforts.

A semi trailer truck is stuck in a mudslide on Interstate 5 near a pedestrian crossing north of the Iowa Street overpass. The driver was uninjured, the Bellingham Fire Department said. By Washington State Department of Transportation

NO. 1: INTERSTATE 5 TRAFFIC RESUMES IN BELLINGHAM AFTER CREWS CLEAR LANDSLIDE DEBRIS

A blocked culvert caused water to back up during heavy rain, sending trees and mud onto the freeway. | Published October 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Robert Mittendorf

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NO. 2: WHAT’S A BOMB CYCLONE? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TERRIFYING WEATHER TERM

Also known as bombogenesis, this weather pattern is a low-pressure system that strengthens rapidly. It causes high winds and precipitation. | Published November 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Karlee Van De Venter

A utility worker from Asplundh repairs a Puget Sound Energy power pole that was damaged in the bomb cyclone storm on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, on Lake Whatcom Boulevard at Sudden Valley Gate 3 east of Bellingham, Wash.

NO. 3: THOUSANDS LOSE POWER IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN WAKE OF ‘BOMB CYCLONE’ THAT BATTERED THE REGION

Fierce overnight winds topple trees and electrical lines. Several roads are closed. | Published November 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Robert Mittendorf

Neighbors on Sudden Valley Drive discuss the windstorm that devastated their community on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, east of Bellingham, Wash. By Robert Mittendorf

NO. 4: WHY DID BOMB CYCLONE BATTER SUDDEN VALLEY WHEN MUCH OF BELLINGHAM WAS SPARED? WHAT WE KNOW

Last week’s bomb cyclone that brought windstorms to WA hit some parts of the state harder than Bellingham, but it didn’t spare Sudden Valley. | Published November 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Daniel Schrager

A snow-covered vehicle drives through downtown Bellingham, Wash., on February 3, 2025. By Rachel Showalter

NO. 5: LIVE UPDATE: MOST WHATCOM COUNTY SCHOOLS CLOSED; BLACK ICE IS A CONCERN FOR COMMUTERS

Fraser Outflow winds causing hazardous conditions. Most schools are closed Tuesday. | Published February 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Robert Mittendorf

Marley Dawkins, 9, shovels the sidewalk near her home in the Sunnyland neighborhood of Bellingham, Wash., on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. By Robert Mittendorf

NO. 6: MOST SCHOOLS DELAYED AND FORECAST CALLS FOR MORE SNOW IN WHATCOM COUNTY

Fraser winds still creating trouble for road crews in rural areas. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Robert Mittendorf

A 3.4-magnitude earthquake struck San Martin in Northern California, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

NO. 7: 3.0-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE SHAKES WESTERN WASHINGTON, SEISMOLOGISTS SAY. WHAT TO KNOW

The earthquake struck east of Tacoma. | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner

Two earthquakes, one measuring 4.0-magnitude, hit Pinnacles National Park in California within minutes on New Year’s Eve..

NO. 8: 2.8-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE SHAKES WESTERN WASHINGTON, SEISMOLOGISTS SAY. WHAT TO KNOW

The quake hit west of Seattle. | Published February 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner

The Cascadia subduction zone is locked by friction at depths lower than 18 miles. Strain slowly builds up until the fault’s frictional strength is exceeded and the rocks slip past each other in a “megathrust” earthquake.

NO. 9: WA IS SEEING A STRING OF EARTHQUAKES. HERE’S HOW EXPERTS SAY YOU SHOULD STAY PREPARED

A 4.5 magnitude earthquake by Orcas Island was the largest to hit Washington since 2020. Here’s how you can prepare for even a minor quake. | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Daniel Schrager

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.