Catastrophic Floods in Washington State: A Call for Urgent Evacuations

Fri Dec 12 2025 17:09:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Historic flooding in Washington, exacerbated by continuous torrential rain, has led to state of emergency declarations and widespread evacuations. Experts warn of more catastrophic flooding on the horizon as rivers reach alarming levels.

Washington state is grappling with unprecedented flooding due to relentless rainfall, with tens of thousands forced to evacuate. Emergency responders are actively rescuing residents as rivers like the Snohomish and Skagit break historical records. The situation remains critical, with more debilitating storms expected to arrive shortly.

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — Days of torrential rain in Washington state has caused historic floods that have stranded families on rooftops, washed over bridges, and ripped at least two homes from their foundations. Experts warned that even more flooding expected Friday could be catastrophic.

Washington is under a state of emergency with evacuation orders in place for tens of thousands of residents. Governor Bob Ferguson urged everyone to follow evacuation instructions as yet another river neared record levels.

“I understand that many in our state have experienced significant floods in the past. However, we’re looking at a historic situation,” he stated on the social platform X.

Approximately 78,000 residents from a major agricultural region north of Seattle were ordered to evacuate the floodplain of the Skagit River, which was projected to crest Friday morning.

The floods were affecting large areas of the state, with several bridges submerged and significant roads either inundated or washed out. Some roads had no alternative routes or estimated reopening times, including a large section of state Route 410.

A landslide also blocked part of Interstate 90 east of Seattle, trapping vehicles amid debris and floodwaters.

In the northern region, near the U.S.-Canada border, the cities of Sumas, Nooksack, and Everson were evacuated as they faced severe flooding. Sumas Mayor Bruce Bosch remarked that much of the city has been devastated by the high waters, occurring just four years after a similar flood.

Flooding Rivers Break Records

The Snohomish River surged nearly a foot higher than its previous record, while the Skagit River rose just above its record Thursday night in Mount Vernon, as per the National Water Prediction Service.

Earlier Thursday, the Skagit narrowly missed its past peak, causing flooding in Concrete.

Mariah Brosa, a resident, remarked, I didn’t think it would come this high, as her home was nearly overtaken by flood debris.

The water levels in Mount Vernon, the largest city in Skagit County, marked a critical threat as flooding had previously displaced hundreds back in 2003.

Officials throughout the state have been conducting rescues from vehicles and homes following an atmospheric river that drenched the region.

Helicopters were utilized to rescue families trapped on rooftops in Sumas, where homes were submerged under about 15 feet of water.

Climate change has been linked to increased rainfall intensity, contributing to severe weather conditions like this.

Another storm system is anticipated to bring additional rain starting Sunday, potentially worsening the already dire conditions.