An intense atmospheric river event pounding the Pacific Northwest has shifted its focus to western Washington, triggering “historic” and potentially record-breaking flooding that could force up to 75,000 people to evacuate. After two days of heavy rain, another 4 to 8 inches is expected through Thursday in the higher elevations, worsening an already dangerous situation.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, warning residents to take evacuation orders seriously. “The situation is extremely serious,” he said, as rivers continued to rise, communities rushed to pack up valuables, and emergency crews carried out rescues across multiple counties.
Skagit River Flooding Reaches Record Levels
Officials in Skagit County issued urgent evacuation recommendations for upriver communities, including Rockport, Hamilton, Marblemount, and Concrete, calling conditions “historic.” Meteorologists warn the Skagit River could swell 3 to 5 feet above previous record crests, posing a severe threat to towns like Mount Vernon, where residents lined up for sandbags at distribution sites.
Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan said the community is preparing for a “worst-case scenario” as the river is expected to crest at 41 feet, while upstream in Concrete the crest could reach 47 feet, both far above previous records.
Amtrak has suspended its Seattle–Vancouver routes for Thursday and Friday due to flood levels along the Skagit River.
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Rescues, Road Closures and Widespread Damage Across Western Washington
Emergency responders rushed to save stranded residents as flooding intensified. Eastside Fire and Rescue conducted water rescues in King County, helping three adults with limited mobility and a dog from a flooded home. A landslide partially closed eastbound I-90.
In the foothills of Mount Rainier, Pierce County deputies evacuated part of the town of Orting, rescuing trapped residents in waist-deep water from an RV park.
Nearby, the Snoqualmie River continued rising toward major flood stage, inundating farmlands, homes and roadways from Snoqualmie to Fall City to Carnation. Flooding also impacted the area near Snoqualmie Falls, worsening conditions.
US-12 is already underwater in several places, leaving the town of Randle completely cut off.
Cities including Snohomish, Auburn and Chehalis have declared local emergencies, installed temporary flood barriers and carried out rescues, including a family of six trapped in 4 feet of water.
Hundreds of Washington National Guard members are being deployed to assist communities bracing for additional river surges.
