MT. VERNON, WASHINGTON – A powerful atmospheric river has prompted Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to urge residents to exercise extreme caution as record-breaking river levels and heavy rainfall trigger widespread flooding across the state. Thousands of people are under evacuation orders, and first responders are conducting life-saving operations. The National Guard has been deployed to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.
“The flooding levels we are seeing are potentially historic,” Gov. Ferguson said Thursday during a press briefing. Major flooding has forced the closure of more than 30 key roadways, with no definitive timeline for reopening, and officials continue to warn that conditions remain unpredictable. Robert Ezelle, director of the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division, said multiple counties, including Skagit, Pierce, Lewis, Whatcom, and Yakima, are experiencing severe flooding. In Skagit County alone, 300 National Guard members are on standby to aid in recovery.
Days of heavy rain have prompted Gov. Ferguson to declare a state of emergency. Rainfall totals since Sunday have exceeded 20 inches in some areas, causing dozens of rivers to reach major flood stage. The Snohomish River crested at a record 34 feet Thursday, while the Skagit River at Mount Vernon is forecast to surpass its record of 37.5 feet, expected to crest at 39.5 feet Thursday night. Skagit County has opened shelters for residents within the 100-year flood plain and urged immediate evacuation to higher ground.
Despite the severity, there are no reported deaths at this time. Emergency crews have been busy conducting high-water rescues, including Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue, which responded Wednesday night to 17 swift water calls, rescuing 24 people, four cats, and two dogs. Gov. Ferguson emphasized the importance of following evacuation orders, saying, “Your life is extremely important to us.”
Looking ahead, the Climate Prediction Center projects continued above-average precipitation for the Northwest into mid-to-late December. Additional rounds of heavy rain are expected through Friday and into next week, with forecasts indicating another 2 to 3 inches of rain may fall, with locally higher amounts likely.
