High Winds and Tides Flood Roads, Disrupt Island County Ferries
Powerful winds and high tides on December 12, 2025 forced temporary closures of several Whidbey Island roads and led Washington State Ferries to cancel some Port Townsend to Coupeville sailings. The weather event disrupted commutes and waterfront properties, and county crews worked to clear and reopen routes as conditions permitted.
On December 12, 2025 a combination of high tides, strong winds, and an area of low pressure brought flooding and travel disruptions across Whidbey Island. Island County Public Works reported temporary closures on West Beach Road between Even Down Way and Swantown Road, a section of Hill Road at Ebeys Landing, portions of Shoreview Drive near Freeland Park, Woodard Avenue, and the vicinity of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland. Madrona Way and other low lying roads were also reported flooded.
Washington State Ferries canceled sailings on the Port Townsend to Coupeville run for certain departures because of high winds and rough sea state. Travelers were advised to use alternate ferry routes, including Edmonds to Kingston or Mukilteo to Clinton, where appropriate. The cancellations affected both commuters and visitors relying on the Coupeville route for access to the mainland.
County officials and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts attributed the event to the combined effect of astronomical high tides and an intense wind and low pressure system. Island County crews responded overnight and into the following day, clearing debris and assessing roadway damage as weather allowed. Crews expected to reopen closed segments once water receded and conditions were safe for repair vehicles and emergency responders.
The flood and ferry disruptions had immediate local impact. Commuters faced longer travel times and route changes, businesses near the waterfront experienced access issues, and some shoreline properties reported inundation. Low lying residential streets remain vulnerable during similar storms, and residents with shoreline property saw elevated risk to outbuildings and yards.
Check Washington State Ferries schedules and Island County Public Works updates before traveling to or from Whidbey Island. Avoid driving through standing water, report roadway hazards to local authorities, and monitor NOAA forecasts for high tide and storm advisories in the coming days.
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