Name: Dozens of crashes in King County as rain slams Seattle roads
Uploaded: 2025-11-15T04:20:36.956Z
Duration: 2 min 44 s
Description: The Washington State Patrol responded to 39 collisions on King County freeways by noon Friday, citing standing water and speeding as the main factors driving the dangerous conditions. Trooper Rick Johnson urged drivers to slow down and, in the event of a crash, to remain inside their vehicle until first responders arrive.

The Washington State Patrol responded to 39 collisions on King County freeways by noon Friday, citing standing water and speeding as the main factors driving the dangerous conditions. Trooper Rick Johnson urged drivers to slow down and, in the event of a crash, to remain inside their vehicle until first responders arrive.

King County

Heavy rainfall in King County, Washington, resulted in widespread standing water on both city streets and freeways, creating hazardous driving conditions for motorists. The Washington State Patrol responded to at least 39 collisions on the freeway system by midday, with weather and excessive speed cited as major contributing factors.

Trooper Rick Johnson emphasized the importance of reducing speed and maintaining safe distances, especially during periods of low visibility. Drivers involved in minor accidents are advised to remain in their vehicles and contact emergency services for assistance.

Dozens of crashes in King County as rain slams Seattle roads

As rain slammed the Seattle area this morning, it caused headaches for drivers and road crews. Standing water on some of the busiest roadways made for some tricky driving. DocsRT's Lauren Donovan talked with Trooper Rick Johnson about what the Washington State Patrol saw on the roads today. If you were frustrated at all with the road conditions today, you thought driving was really dangerous, we've got the man here who can help you moving forward and anything like this because of course the rain is going to return here in Washington. Trooper Rick Johnson with State Patrol here in Bellevue. Okay you had to make the drive like all of us today. What was it like on your commute? Well I mean there's there's standing water of course everywhere whether it be on city streets or the freeways. So that was one of the the main concerns we had this morning in the commute and continuing throughout the day. And I was noticing it pooling up, building up more than usual. What kind of problems does flooding create for you all in responding to incidents? Well it can cause collisions. I mean we've had a couple you know caused by standing water this morning amongst the all the other ones that we've had. But it's just the roadways are wet. We want people to slow down and that usually is what happens. People hit standing water especially in the hours of darkness. Now that it it's dark longer, it's harder to see. So we just want people to slow down. And specifically today I know you all have been responding to dozens of incidents just within the King County area really. Talk to us about what we have seen so far. What's what has stood out to you? Well so far I mean as of like noon today we've responded to 39 collisions in King County on our freeway system. And really what's standing out is is the weather is totally affecting it. And the weather in correlation with speed. Speed in any kind of weather can be a cause of a collision. But especially this morning in the rain and you know before it got light, we're noticing we don't necessarily have extremely common spots. But there's collisions all over the place. We had one on I-5 where a car somehow ended up with both this left tires up on the barrier. Thankfully no injuries. But that takes a little bit to clean up which causes more backup. And worst case scenario no none of us want to be in this position. But in conditions like this it can happen. People are tailgating. Visibility is low. What happens if I get a fender bender during this rainy time? Well we want you to stay in the vehicle. It's not safe to be outside of a vehicle on any roadway to include the freeway. Call 9-1-1. Let us know where you are. If you're injured the troopers will get there as quickly as they can to protect the scene and and you know make sure that you know the collisions investigated and you get all the information that you need. Well thank you for your time and for keeping us all safe out there. Heed his warnings. We'll send it back to you.

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