Historic Flooding Strikes Washington State Amid Continual Rainfall

Sun Dec 14 2025 01:19:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Washington faces unprecedented flooding as torrential rains result in a state of emergency. With thousands evacuated and damages escalating, authorities brace for additional storms.

In Washington state, historic flooding triggered by days of unrelenting rainfall has left communities grappling with severe damage and evacuations. Governor Bob Ferguson emphasizes the severity of the situation, urging residents to heed evacuation orders. Major rivers are cresting at record levels, with more rainfall forecasted, adding to the urgency of the crisis.

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Washington state is grappling with catastrophic flooding following several days of heavy rain. The state has declared a state of emergency as communities face the aftermath, including families stranded on rooftops and significant infrastructural damage.

Governor Bob Ferguson has urged residents to follow evacuation orders as the Skagit River and other waterways approach critical flood levels. This is a historic situation; it’s imperative to heed evacuation instructions, he stated in an update.

As of now, approximately 78,000 people have been ordered to evacuate from the flood-prone Skagit River area, with expectations of further rainfall exacerbating the situation. The floodwaters have submerged critical transportation routes, leaving widespread access issues in multiple regions of the state.

Sumas, a city near the U.S.-Canada border, has experienced extensive flooding, leading to the closure of its border crossing and the suspension of Amtrak services between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Local officials report that much of the city is devastated, recalling similar events from recent years.

The National Water Prediction Service reports that the Snohomish and Skagit Rivers have surpassed their previous flood records, prompting urgent interventions and rescues across flooded areas, including helicopter rescues for residents trapped in submerged homes.

In response to the crisis, emergency services have prioritized rescue operations, including removing families from rooftops inundated by up to 15 feet of floodwaters in some locations. Additionally, local shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced residents.

With forecasts indicating a continuation of wet weather, officials are remaining vigilant and preparing for potential further evacuations and flood response measures. Experts have linked intensified rainfall patterns to broader climate change trends, complicating predictions for future storm systems.

The affected communities are bracing for a long recovery period; with another storm system expected to arrive soon, the situation remains fluid and demanding immediate attention from authorities and community members alike.