“Catastrophic” Flood Threat Forces Mass Evacuations in Western Washington
A relentless atmospheric river has unleashed historic rainfall across Western Washington, pushing major rivers toward unprecedented flood levels and prompting emergency orders for as many as 100,000 residents to evacuate. Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, warning that “lives will be at stake in the coming days” as the region grapples with the severe weather.
The situation is particularly dire in the Puget Sound and western Cascade regions, where days of downpours have saturated the ground and turned local waterways into raging torrents. The National Weather Service warned of “catastrophic flooding impacts,” with specific concerns focused on the Skagit and Snohomish river basins.
Rivers at Record Levels
Communities along the **Skagit River**, north of Seattle, are facing the most critical threat. Skagit County authorities issued “Level Three – Go Now” evacuation orders for residents living within the 100-year floodplain, urging them to flee to higher ground immediately. Officials anticipate the river to crest at levels well beyond previous records set in recent years, with towns like Mount Vernon, Concrete, and Sedro-Woolley bracing for massive inundation.
For example, the Skagit River near Concrete is forecasted to crest more than six feet above its 2021 record and approach a historic mark from 1990. The city of Mount Vernon, home to thousands of people, is on high alert as officials prepare for what Mayor Peter Donovan described as “what increasingly appears to be a worst-case scenario.”
Other vital waterways are also causing major alarm. The Snohomish River is expected to near record flood stage through Friday, and evacuation orders were also issued for parts of Pierce County, including the town of Orting, due to concerns about the swelling Puyallup River. Emergency crews have already been performing swift water rescues in multiple areas as the waters quickly overtook low-lying communities.
Infrastructure and Aid
The severe weather has crippled key transportation arteries. A significant landslide forced a closure on Interstate 90 east of Seattle, trapping vehicles and blocking the vital cross-state route with mud, trees, and standing water. Additionally, the widespread flooding and high winds have left more than 17,000 customers across the state without power.
In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Ferguson activated the National Guard, with hundreds of troops deployed to assist local communities with flood response requests, including rescues and logistical support. The Washington State Patrol also mobilized swift water rescue teams and boats to aid Snohomish and Skagit counties. State officials are cautioning that while the heaviest rain is expected to diminish, the threat of major river flooding and dangerous landslides will continue across the western part of the state for several days.
Residents are being strongly urged to heed the “Go Now” orders, monitor local emergency alerts, and never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters. The message from authorities is clear: as this historic event unfolds, safety remains the paramount concern.