Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Puget Sound As Christmas and New Year Travelers Urged to Prepare for Tidal Flooding in Western Washington

Published on December 24, 2025

As holiday travel ramps up in the Puget Sound region, a Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for Wednesday morning, creating potential disruptions for travelers heading into the Christmas and New Year holidays. The advisory, affecting several coastal areas around Puget Sound, warns of minor flooding due to elevated tides. This presents a unique challenge for tourists visiting the region, especially those with plans to explore its famed coastlines during the festive season.

The Coastal Flood Advisory: What Does It Mean for Travelers?

A Coastal Flood Advisory is an alert for minor flooding, usually caused by high tides and elevated water levels. These conditions are not expected to cause major property damage but can result in nuisance flooding—a situation where low-lying coastal areas and roads near the water could become temporarily inundated, making travel along these routes difficult.

In Puget Sound, the advisory covers multiple coastal areas, including Island County, Port Townsend, and other regions near the shorelines. The advisory will be in effect from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PST on Wednesday, December 26, coinciding with peak high tide times. Travelers heading to the Sound or planning coastal excursions around this time should be prepared for possible disruptions, particularly along shoreline roads and beach access points.

The advisory’s primary concern is water encroaching on coastal roads, which could cause temporary flooding. This could affect tourist-friendly spots such as beachfront hotels, waterfront parks, and ferry terminals. While the flooding is not expected to be life-threatening, minor property damage and temporary transportation interruptions are likely to occur, especially at high tide peaks.

Weather Conditions Contributing to Flooding in Puget Sound

The Coastal Flood Advisory is being driven by the combination of elevated tides and stormy weather conditions in the region. A winter storm system moving through Western Washington is contributing to higher-than-usual tides and stronger-than-normal winds, which combined, are pushing water levels higher than typical for the time of year.

This system is expected to bring wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and possible flooding in inland areas, adding to the complexity of travel conditions for those visiting Puget Sound during the Christmas and New Year holiday season. The advisory specifically warns of minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas that could affect popular travel routes. For example, beaches and seaside towns such as Port Townsend and Freeland could experience temporary road closures due to rising tides.

Given that this advisory coincides with the busy holiday travel period, both local residents and visitors should take extra caution when venturing near the coast or participating in outdoor activities such as beach walks or sightseeing. Travelers relying on ferries and other water-based transport should also keep updated on service schedules, as temporary delays may occur due to rough seas and inclement weather.

Impacts on Christmas and New Year Travelers

For those planning to celebrate Christmas or ring in the New Year in Puget Sound, the flooding advisory will add an element of uncertainty to holiday plans. The region’s scenic coastal areas are a huge draw for tourists during this time of year, offering picturesque holiday experiences, from cozy waterfront retreats to holiday festivals. However, high tides and tidal flooding could impact some of these experiences, particularly for travelers planning to explore the outdoors near the water.

If you’re traveling to Puget Sound to enjoy the holiday season, you should:

1. Check the Weather Updates Regularly: Since weather conditions can change quickly, especially with winter storms, it’s vital to stay updated on Coastal Flood Advisories and weather warnings in real time.
2. Be Cautious When Near Shorelines: Avoid low-lying roads and walkways close to the water, as flooding could make them hazardous to travel. It’s best to plan your trips during low tide periods, which will see the least risk of flooding.
3. Consider Alternate Routes: Major highways, such as Interstate 5, are unlikely to be impacted directly by tidal flooding, but coastal roads and ferry routes could see temporary disruptions. Check with ferry services for potential delays.
4. Plan for Indoor Activities: Given the wet and windy conditions, visitors might want to consider indoor activities for part of their trip. Explore Puget Sound’s indoor attractions, like museums, art galleries, and holiday performances.
5. Stay Informed About Local Transportation: Expect ferry service interruptions or delays along the Sound, especially if water levels rise and cause disruptions to terminals. Major ferry lines like Washington State Ferries may issue service alerts.

Beyond the Advisory: A Unique Opportunity for Winter Travel

Despite the risks associated with the advisory, the Coastal Flood Advisory also provides a unique opportunity for winter travelers to experience Puget Sound’s natural beauty in an entirely different light. Coastal flooding isn’t an everyday occurrence, and for many visitors, the sight of high water levels or raging tides along the waterfront may add a new dimension to their travel experience.

This is also an excellent chance for travelers to witness how Puget Sound prepares for winter’s impact and see how locals adapt to the challenges of coastal weather. And of course, the holiday lights along the Sound and festive cheer in nearby towns still offer plenty of opportunities for family-friendly activities and festive fun, even if you need to stay indoors during parts of the day.

For travelers who have made reservations along the waterfront, check with your hotel or lodging provider about the specific weather alerts in their area and whether there are any emergency procedures in place.

Conclusion: Be Prepared for Minor Disruptions and Enjoy the Holidays

As Puget Sound experiences high tides and winter storms this holiday season, the Coastal Flood Advisory serves as a reminder that even during the festive season, nature’s power can impact travel plans. For visitors, it’s important to stay informed about the weather and be prepared for potential disruptions. Whether it’s flooded roads, delayed ferry services, or slippery conditions on walkways, understanding the conditions ahead of time will help you navigate the region’s holiday travel challenges.

But despite the weather, Puget Sound remains one of the best destinations to experience the magic of Christmas and New Year’s in the Pacific Northwest. From festive waterfront hotels to cozy beachside cottages and all the outdoor activities the area has to offer, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your holiday vacation.

Stay safe, stay updated, and let the beauty of the Sound add to your holiday memories!