Flood Emergency Declared as Washington Faces Catastrophic Flooding Threat

Thu Dec 11 2025 15:32:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As meteorologists predict heavy rain and rising river levels, Washington officials issue evacuation orders to thousands of residents in low-lying areas. The Skagit River is set to crest at alarming levels, raising fears of significant property damage and displacement.

Western Washington is bracing for catastrophic flooding, with evacuation orders in place as rivers approach record levels. Officials have declared a statewide emergency, warning residents of potential rescue needs and road closures. Heavy rainfall has already caused significant disruptions and prompted emergency response efforts across the region.

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — Tens of thousands of residents in western Washington could face evacuation orders when another round of heavy rain drops on the region Thursday, threatening to bring catastrophic flooding as rivers near historic levels.

Days of seemingly unrelenting heavy rain had already triggered rescues and road closures, and by Wednesday, Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, warning that lives will be at stake in the coming days. Some residents have already been ordered to higher ground, with Skagit County, a major agricultural region north of Seattle, ordering those within the Skagit River's floodplain to evacuate.

“Catastrophic flooding is likely” in many areas and the state is requesting water rescue teams and boats, Ferguson said on the social media platform X on Wednesday night.

Hundreds of Guard members will be sent to help communities, said Gent Welsh, adjutant general of the Washington National Guard.

In a valley leading out to the foothills of Mount Rainier southeast of Seattle, Pierce County sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday rescued people at an RV park in Orting, including helping one man in a Santa hat wade through waist-deep water. Part of the town was ordered to evacuate over concerns about the Puyallup River’s extremely high levels and upstream levees.

A landslide blocked part of Interstate 90 east of Seattle, with photos from Eastside Fire & Rescue showing vehicles trapped by tree trunks, branches, mud, and standing water. Officials also closed a mountainous section of U.S. 2 due to rocks, trees, and mud.

As of Wednesday night, 4 to 6 inches of rain had fallen in the mountains within 24 hours, with the Olympic Mountains reportedly receiving almost 7 inches. More than 17,000 customers in Washington had lost power by Wednesday night.

The Skagit River is expected to crest at roughly 47 feet in the mountain town of Concrete early Thursday, and around 41 feet in Mount Vernon early Friday.

Local officials express concerns about the potential failure of older levees against expected extreme flooding levels, with some residents already preparing for potential evacuations by moving valuables to higher ground.

Authorities continue to warn residents about the dangers posed by rising waters and the impact of severe weather conditions linked to climate change, underscoring the need for ongoing preparedness and emergency response measures.