In a dramatic response to escalating flood threats, residents in western Washington state began evacuating their homes on Wednesday, as a new wave of heavy rain swept through the area. This region is still recovering from a previous storm that resulted in numerous rescues and road closures. An atmospheric river is currently raising river levels to near-record highs, with significant flooding anticipated, particularly along the Skagit River, a vital agricultural valley located north of Seattle.
Officials in Mount Vernon have issued evacuation orders for residents living within the floodplain of the Skagit River. In preparation for the severe weather, many residents flocked to a sandbag-filling station, creating long lines of vehicles as they prepared for what Mayor Peter Donovan characterized as a potential worst-case scenario. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday, emphasizing that lives are at stake in the coming days. He warned that up to 100,000 residents might soon receive evacuation orders due to rapidly rising water levels.
Governor Ferguson shared alarming predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which forecasted 18 major floods and 15 moderate floods throughout the state. The National Weather Service has raised concerns about catastrophic flooding along the Skagit and Snohomish rivers, with landslides also likely in steep terrain affected by the severe weather. Gent Welsh, adjutant general of the Washington National Guard, stated that hundreds of Guard members would be deployed to assist communities in need.
In the Mount Rainier foothills southeast of Seattle, Pierce County sheriff's deputies conducted rescues at an RV park in Orting, including assisting a man wading through waist-deep water while wearing a Santa hat. Parts of the town were ordered to evacuate due to concerns about the dangerously high levels of the Puyallup River and potential levee failures. Additionally, a landslide has blocked portions of Interstate 90 east of Seattle, trapping vehicles beneath fallen trees, mud, and debris. The state transportation department has reported that there are currently no detours available, and the reopening time remains uncertain.
According to Skagit County officials, the Skagit River is projected to reach approximately 47 feet in the mountain town of Concrete by early Thursday, and around 41 feet in Mount Vernon by Friday morning. These projections exceed previous records by several feet. Mount Vernon, home to about 35,000 residents, has a history of flooding, with past events displacing hundreds of people. Although a floodwall completed in 2018 has provided some protection, the city is on high alert, as the anticipated river levels could potentially overwhelm the flood defenses.
Ellen Gamson, executive director of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association, expressed serious concerns regarding the stress on the levee and dike system, stating, "The concern about that kind of pressure is real; it could potentially be catastrophic." Business owners in the area have begun taking precautions, such as placing inventory on higher shelves to mitigate flood damage. Sheena Wilson, a local floral shop owner, has strategically stacked sandbags at her shop's entrances and elevated items off the ground to protect her merchandise.
As the region braces for further rainfall, meteorologist Harrison Rademacher described the ongoing atmospheric river as a "jet stream of moisture" extending across the Pacific Ocean, concentrating its impact along the coasts of Oregon and Washington. Authorities have been proactive, knocking on doors to warn residents of impending flooding and evacuating a mobile home park along the Snohomish River. In the city of Snohomish, an emergency proclamation has been issued, while temporary flood control barriers are being installed in Auburn.
Looking ahead, another storm system is expected to bring additional rain starting Sunday, raising concerns about further flooding as the region approaches the holiday season. While scientists cannot definitively link individual weather events to climate change, they do note that it contributes to more intense and frequent extreme weather events, including storms, floods, and droughts. As Western Washington prepares for more rain and potential flooding, residents remain vigilant and ready to respond to the unpredictable weather conditions.