Western Washington Faces Catastrophic Flooding as Heavy Rain Continues

Thu Dec 11 2025 10:01:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Residents in western Washington brace for evacuation amid catastrophic flooding threats as heavy rainfall raises rivers to alarming levels.

Western Washington is under a statewide emergency as heavy rain continues to pummel the region, prompting evacuation orders in flood-prone areas like Skagit County. Given the projected river levels nearing historic highs, officials are on alert for potential catastrophic flooding and have mobilized rescue units. The community is facing significant challenges as roads are closed due to landslides and homes are threatened by rising waters.

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — In western Washington, tens of thousands of residents are preparing for possible evacuation orders as another round of heavy rain is set to hit the area on Thursday. This new rainfall threatens to exacerbate already swelling rivers, with levels nearing historic highs.

The relentless rain over recent days has already prompted numerous rescues and road closures. On Wednesday, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, expressing concern that “lives will be at stake in the coming days.” Evacuations are underway in Skagit County, located north of Seattle, where residents in the floodplain of the Skagit River have been directed to seek higher ground.

“Catastrophic flooding is likely,” Governor Ferguson warned on social media, as the state calls for water rescue teams and boats to help those in need. The Washington National Guard is mobilizing hundreds of members to assist local communities facing emergency situations.

Efforts to evacuate and rescue individuals continue, with responders in Pierce County using boats to navigate through waist-deep waters, bringing safety to residents stranded in RV parks.

Road closures due to landslides are also causing significant disruptions, with parts of Interstate 90 and U.S. 2 blocked by debris, posing additional risks to motorists.

Over 17,000 customers across Washington were without electricity by Wednesday night, as strong winds combined with heavy rain caused downed power lines.

Forecasts indicate that over the next few days, the Skagit River is expected to crest at approximately 47 feet in the town of Concrete and about 41 feet in Mount Vernon by Friday morning. The potential for these levels has city officials urging residents to prepare for the worst.

Several cities have begun implementing emergency measures, including the cessation of non-essential government services to focus resources on combating the impending flooding.

As meteorologists describe the ongoing weather patterns linked to an atmospheric river phenomenon, forecasters warn of unsettled weather leading into the holiday season, with additional storms expected to bring more rainfall starting Sunday.

Residents remain on high alert, concerned that the predicted river levels could overwhelm flood defenses and historically challenged levees, leading to catastrophic consequences for local communities.