Residents in Seattle faced disruptions Friday morning as landslides hit the region, following heavy rainfall. Seattle Fire Department reported an early slide near an Interbay apartment complex around 7:45 a.m., with emergency crews swiftly responding to the scene. The damage prompted an assessment and subsequent clean-up by Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), as noted by My Northwest. In addition, a Queen Anne building was yellow-tagged by SDCI's Geotech team due to structural impacts from another landslide, leading to instructions for locals to avoid the west-side walkway, according to a KOMO News report.
Adding to the weather woes, the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for much of Western Washington, including the rain-soaked Seattle area. Officials warned residents to watch out for minor flooding in low-lying and poorly drained regions. Measurements at Boeing Field indicated significant rainfall, with 1.1 inches reported by late Friday morning. By comparison, Everett was less affected, with only 0.1 inch of rain recorded, as stated in an article by The Seattle Times.
The City of Seattle underscored the importance of routine inspections during the wet season, especially for owners of properties on steep hillsides, to monitor for signs of erosion and to ensure drainage systems are working properly. "While we don't know the exact cause of this particular landslide, it’s a good reminder for property owners on steep hillsides to conduct routine inspections during the wet season for signs of erosion and to ensure drainage systems are functioning," the City of Seattle said, as obtained by My Northwest. SDCI also emphasized the need for such precautions, adding that "Large cracks in the soil or newly leaning trees are signs of soil movement which could cause a slide," according to KOMO News.
In the meantime, residents impacted by landslide damage were advised to leave the affected premises immediately and to call 911 for assistance. As roadways and walkways continue to be temporarily closed off or restricted, the local authorities are working to hastily assess and stabilize the affected areas. With more light rain showers expected over the weekend, vigilance remains the order of the day for Seattle's hillside communities, as was echoed by Seattle department officials and meteorological advisers.
