Western Washington is currently facing severe flooding due to the impact of two atmospheric rivers. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for major flooding across 17 rivers in the region, predicting particularly catastrophic conditions.
State Emergency and Evacuations
Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency in response to the intense flooding. Multiple counties have issued evacuation orders, particularly in low-lying areas. The situation remains critical, with as many as 100,000 residents potentially facing evacuation.
Areas Affected
- Skagit County: Evacuations recommended for towns such as Rockport, Hamilton, Marblemount, and Concrete.
- Snohomish and Pierce Counties: Local authorities have also advised evacuations.
Flooding Severity and Historical Context
Rainfall is expected to peak Wednesday night, with some areas not seeing the worst conditions until later in the week. Historical data suggests that flooding could surpass levels seen in 1990, a year that recorded two fatalities, over 2,000 evacuations, and damage exceeding $100 million.
Emergency Measures in Place
The Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division, led by Robert Ezelle, has noted the risk of levees being overtopped, particularly in Skagit County. Emergency responders are closely monitoring the situation along the Skagit River and its vicinity.
Federal Assistance Requested
Governor Ferguson is seeking an expedited emergency declaration from the federal government. This declaration would enable Washington to receive additional federal resources to mitigate the crisis. FEMA has already set up a communications hub in Bothell and initiated 24-hour operations to facilitate information flow between federal, state, and tribal governments.
Climate Change Impact on Flood Patterns
Climatologist Guillaume Mauger underscores that climate change is likely to bring more frequent and severe flooding. The simultaneous occurrence of the two atmospheric rivers, though not individually record-breaking, has overwhelmed local rivers and may indicate a trend toward more extreme weather patterns.
According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, every degree of warming is expected to lead to a 7% increase in precipitation from extreme storms. This highlights the urgent need for preparedness and adaptation in the face of shifting climate conditions in Washington.
