Western Washington is currently facing a flood emergency due to a significant increase in rainfall. A second wave of heavy rain is expected to push rivers to critical levels, prompting urgent evacuation orders across the region.
State of Emergency Declared
Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency in response to the severe weather. The declaration includes the activation of the National Guard to provide assistance during this crisis. Approximately 300 service members are prepared to assist with flood response measures.
Evacuations and Public Alerts
- Up to 100,000 residents may need to evacuate as rivers approach historic flood levels.
- Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuations have been issued for areas within the 100-year floodplain, particularly in:
- Concrete (Skagit County)
- Sumas (Whatcom County)
- Mount Vernon
Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed about the evolving situation.
Major Highways and Road Closures
Dozens of roads are closed, impacting major highways within the area:
- Eastbound Interstate 90 is shut down between Snoqualmie and North Bend.
- Both directions of US 2 are closed from Index over Stevens Pass to Coles Corner due to landslides and flooding.
- State Route 20 is closed in Marblemount due to water accumulation on the roadway.
Flood Risk and Projections
This week’s atmospheric-river driven precipitation may lead to significant flooding on 18 rivers across Western Washington. The Skagit River is particularly concerning, with forecasts predicting it will crest at 48 feet in Concrete on Thursday. Mount Vernon is expected to see levels exceeding 42 feet by Friday.
Potential Levee Breach and Safety Measures
Concerns about the structural integrity of levees and dikes in the Skagit River Valley have risen due to extreme water pressure. A flash flood watch is currently in effect for much of Skagit County and parts of northern Snohomish County. Residents in flood-prone areas should prepare to evacuate to higher ground, adhering strictly to evacuation orders.
The situation remains critical as rivers are anticipated to reach near-record levels, including the Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Stillaguamish, and Snohomish rivers. All waterways are expected to reach their crests from Thursday to Friday as the deluge descends from the hills to sea level.
