Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Historic Flooding Threatens Western Washington
A big storm called an atmospheric river is bringing lots of rain to Washington state.
This rain is causing rivers like the Skagit River, Snohomish River, and Puyallup River to overflow, which might force many people to leave their homes.
The rain is expected to keep falling for a few more days, making the situation worse.
Areas like Mount Vernon and Burlington are also affected.
Officials are worried because this could be one of the worst floods in a long time.
They are preparing to help people evacuate and protect their homes and businesses.
Another storm is expected to bring more rain starting Sunday, so the situation might not improve soon.
An intense atmospheric river event is causing historic flooding in western Washington.
Up to 100,000 people may need to evacuate due to rising waters in areas like the Skagit River, Snohomish River, and Puyallup River.
After two days of heavy rain, another 4 to 8 inches is expected through Thursday, with another storm system starting Sunday.
The Skagit River is expected to crest at record levels of 47 feet in Concrete and 41 feet in Mount Vernon.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, and hundreds of National Guard members are being deployed to assist.
- Who
- Residents of western Washington, particularly near the Skagit River, Snohomish River, and Puyallup River
- What
- Historic and potentially record-breaking flooding due to an intense atmospheric river event
- When
- After two days of heavy rain, with more expected through Thursday and another storm system starting Sunday
- Where
- Western Washington, USA
- Why
- An intense atmospheric river event has brought heavy rainfall, causing significant flooding
Preparatory Measures
Potential Catastrophe
Evacuation Preparedness
Preparatory Measures
Authorities are actively preparing for evacuations and have set up sandbag stations to protect homes and businesses.
Potential Catastrophe
The expected record-setting river levels could overwhelm flood defenses, leading to catastrophic flooding.
- Location
- Western Washington, USA
- Cause
- Intense atmospheric river event
- Rainfall
- 4 to 8 inches expected in higher elevations
- Potential Evacuations
- Up to 100,000 people
- Impacted Areas
- Skagit River, Snohomish River, Puyallup River
- State Emergency
- Declared by Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson
- Expected River Crest
- 47 feet in Concrete, 41 feet in Mount Vernon
- Floodwall
- Completed in 2018, tested in 2021
Sources
Washington State Flood Map: Skagit River Flooding Worsens as Rising Waters Impact Snoqualmie Falls
US weather: Rivers swell, residents warned of record flooding as heavy rain pounds Washington
Record flooding threatens Washington as more heavy rain pounds the Northwest
Heavy rain inundates Western Washington as statewide emergency declared
Tens Of Thousands In Washington State Could Face Evacuations As Rain Continues Pound The Region
Washington rivers flood: Evacuations expand across state as intense rain pushes several waterways toward record levels
Washington state under emergency as torrential rain triggers floods, mudslides and evacuations
