Historic Flooding in Western Washington

Western Washington has been overwhelmed by days of continuous rain, leading to severe flooding that has trapped families on rooftops, swept away bridges, and caused extensive property damage.

The state is currently under a state of emergency, with tens of thousands of residents receiving evacuation orders. Governor Bob Ferguson urged those affected to follow these orders without delay. “We know many places in our state have faced significant flooding in the past,” he acknowledged on Thursday, emphasizing that the current situation is unprecedented.

Heavy rainfall has pushed river levels to alarming heights, submerging entire communities. By Friday morning, every river in the vicinity was flooded, with many still far above flood stage and expected to take days to subside. The Cedar River in Renton, for instance, is rapidly rising and nearing a major flood stage, putting nearby towns and facilities at risk.

As river levels soared, dramatic rescues have taken place. First responders helped a man stranded on the roof of his SUV amid the floodwaters. Additionally, four people were rescued from an attic in Sumas as they awaited help while surrounded by rising water.

With approximately 78,000 residents in Skagit County ordered to evacuate because of the Skagit River cresting at about 38 feet near Mount Vernon, the situation remains critical. Officials issued immediate evacuation orders for the city of Burlington, as homes began taking on water.

The flooding has significantly impacted large portions of Washington, with many roads and bridges submerged or completely washed out. Some main routes, like State Route 410, currently have no available detours or reopening timelines. It’s a chaotic and scary time for many residents, and the feeling of uncertainty looms as the rain continues to fall.