Chad Walker, right, and Adrienne Higbee help an out-of-town neighbor with their property as the Skykomish River rises on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Index, Snohomish County, Wash
Western Washington state braced for record flooding on Wednesday as another round of heavy rain pounded communities already overwhelmed by earlier storms. Rising rivers forced families to pack up and flee, while emergency crews worked nonstop to protect towns across the Pacific Northwest.
Residents Rush to Evacuate as Rivers Rise
An intense atmospheric river continued to drench the region, pushing water levels toward historic highs. The Skagit River, a major agricultural corridor north of Seattle, is expected to trigger the worst flooding seen in years.
In Mount Vernon, officials issued evacuation orders for residents in the river’s floodplain. Long lines formed at sandbag stations as locals prepared for what Mayor Peter Donovan called “a worst-case scenario.”
State Declares Emergency Amid Worsening Flood Risk
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, warning that “lives will be at stake in the coming days.” Up to 100,000 residents may need to evacuate as rivers continue to swell.
The Washington National Guard is deploying hundreds of members to assist with evacuations, barriers, and flood response operations.
Rescues and Road Closures Impact Daily Life
In the foothills near Mount Rainier, Pierce County deputies rescued residents at an RV park in Orting. One man in a Santa hat was guided through waist-deep water as the Puyallup River surged dangerously close to levee limits. Parts of the town were put under immediate evacuation orders.
A landslide shut down a section of Interstate 90, trapping vehicles behind mud, branches, and debris. Images showed cars wedged against barriers and submerged in standing water.
Another slide forced the closure of a mountainous section of U.S. 2, leaving no detours and no timeline for reopening.
Record Flooding Forecast for Skagit River
The Skagit River is expected to crest at 47 feet in Concrete early Thursday and 41 feet in Mount Vernon on Friday—levels that county officials described as “record-setting by several feet.”
Mount Vernon, home to 35,000 residents, has a long history of severe flooding. While a floodwall completed in 2018 offers downtown protection, experts fear that this week’s rising waters could surpass its limits.
Business owners are scrambling.
- Some are elevating inventory on tables.
- Others are stacking sandbags at entrances.
- Homeowners are moving valuables upstairs.
Resident Jake Lambly, who lives with his son, said, “This is my only asset. I got nothing else,” as he fortified his home.
Cities Mobilize Emergency Measures
Meteorologists describe the storm as a “jet stream of moisture” stretching across the Pacific and funneling directly into Washington and Oregon.
Local governments have acted quickly:
- Door-to-door warnings were issued in threatened neighborhoods.
- A mobile home park along the Snohomish River was evacuated.
- The city of Snohomish issued an emergency proclamation.
- Auburn workers installed temporary flood barriers along the White River.
- In Sumas, a flood siren triggered a citywide evacuation as the U.S.-Canada border crossing restricted commercial traffic to allow emergency movement.
Climate Change and Intensifying Weather Patterns
Experts note that climate change contributes to heavier and more frequent extreme rainfall. While individual storms cannot be directly linked without detailed study, scientists agree that global warming boosts the severity of storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires.
More Storms Expected Soon
The relief may be brief. Another strong system could bring additional rain starting Sunday, meteorologists warn. “The pattern looks pretty unsettled going up to the holidays,” said forecaster Harrison Rademacher.
With rivers swelling and communities on high alert, Washington faces days of uncertainty as record flooding continues to threaten lives, homes, and infrastructure across the region.
