Washington State faces historic flooding as back-to-back atmospheric rivers trigger mandatory evacuations for 100,000 residents and prompt Governor Ferguson to declare a statewide emergency while seeking federal assistance.
Story Highlights
- Over 100,000 Washington residents under mandatory “GO NOW” evacuation orders across multiple counties
- Governor Ferguson declares statewide emergency and deploys National Guard as rivers reach record levels
- Multiple major rivers including Skagit, Nooksack, and Puyallup forecast to reach catastrophic flood stages
- Emergency shelters activated while rescue teams conduct helicopter and swift-water operations
Statewide Emergency Declaration Mobilizes Resources
Governor Bob Ferguson signed a statewide emergency declaration Wednesday as two consecutive atmospheric rivers dumped unprecedented rainfall across western Washington. Ferguson immediately requested federal emergency status while deploying over 100 National Guard members to assist with flood response operations. The declaration enables coordinated state resources and streamlines federal aid requests as multiple river systems simultaneously approach record flood stages threatening communities across the region.
🚨🇺🇸#BREAKING | NEWS ⚠️
Six rivers hit record levels in Washington state over 100 K people have been evacuated in Washington after massive flooding and rains have caused mudslides and landslides. I-90 E is completely closed due to landslides viewed in this videoCatastrophic… pic.twitter.com/04bFnnW736
— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) December 11, 2025
Mass Evacuations Target Flood-Prone Communities
Skagit County issued Level 3 “GO NOW” mandatory evacuation orders Thursday for approximately 100,000 residents living in Skagit Valley floodplains. Parts of Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley face immediate evacuation as the Skagit River approaches what officials describe as “an almost unthinkable number.” Additional evacuation warnings affect Whatcom, King, and Pierce Counties as the Nooksack, Green, White, Cedar, and Puyallup rivers reach major flood stages.
Historic River Levels Threaten Infrastructure
The Skagit River forecast shows potential record-breaking levels that could overtop levees and cause uncontrolled overland flooding throughout the valley. The Nooksack River already crested near record heights at Cedarville, triggering flood sirens in Sumas, Everson, and Ferndale. Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan warned residents this represents “a flood that we haven’t seen before” with “real potential for catastrophic flooding.” Emergency managers compare current conditions to the devastating November 2021 atmospheric river floods that caused extensive damage across the region.
Emergency Response Operations Underway
Fire departments and rescue teams conducted dozens of swift-water rescues, including helicopter operations to extract residents from flooded homes near Sumas and RV parks along the Puyallup River. Emergency shelters opened in churches and community centers across Lynden and other affected communities to house displaced families. Major highways including Interstate 5 segments face closures due to flooding and mudslides, while thousands experience power outages from high winds and infrastructure damage.
The National Weather Service warned of “catastrophic and potentially life-threatening river flooding” continuing through Friday as saturated soils and overwhelmed drainage systems compound the crisis. Local authorities emphasize this represents a statewide flooding emergency affecting multiple regions simultaneously, not just isolated storm impacts. Emergency officials stress the importance of heeding evacuation orders immediately as river levels continue rising and conditions deteriorate rapidly across western Washington’s vulnerable floodplains.
Sources:
House Democrats WA: Thursday December 11 Updates
