Washington state faces potentially historic flooding as tens of thousands of residents evacuate their homes. At the same time, Governor Ferguson declares a statewide emergency and warns “lives will be at stake” in the coming days.
Story Snapshot
- Over 78,000 residents in Skagit County were ordered to evacuate as catastrophic flooding threatened the region.
- Governor Ferguson declaresa statewide emergency, with the National Guard deploying hundreds of members for rescue operations
- Record-breaking rainfall dumps up to 6 inches in 24 hours across Washington’s Cascade Mountains
- Multiple rivers, including the Skagit and Skykomish, reach dangerous levels with more storms approaching through the holidays
Governor Declares Emergency as Evacuations Expand
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency as Washington confronts some of its worst flooding in decades. Ferguson emphasized the severity during a news briefing, stating the flooding levels are “potentially historic in nature” and the situation remains “extremely unpredictable.”
The National Water Prediction Service forecast 18 major floods and 15 moderate floods across the state, prompting requests for water-rescue teams and emergency boats.
Washington State. My state. Horrible flooding along the I-90. West side. 😶🌺 pic.twitter.com/Tz1W1EVZOG
— Sherry🌺 (@SHERRYSLANE) December 11, 2025
Mass Evacuations Affect Agricultural Heartland
Skagit County officials ordered all 78,000 residents within the Skagit River’s floodplain to evacuate to higher ground. The county, a major agricultural region north of Seattle, faces catastrophic flooding as the Skagit River is expected to crest at 39 feet in Mount Vernon early Friday.
Emergency management chief Julie de Losada coordinated the massive evacuation while teams knocked on doors in low-lying neighborhoods to ensure residents received evacuation notices.
Atmospheric River Delivers Record Rainfall
An atmospheric river described as “a jet stream of moisture” stretching across the Pacific Ocean delivered devastating rainfall to Washington’s Cascade Mountains.
Snoqualmie Pass recorded an additional 1.7 inches of rain in just six hours, while some areas received up to 6 inches in 24 hours. National Weather Service meteorologist Harrison Rademacher warned another storm system would bring more rain starting Sunday, creating an “unsettled pattern” through the holidays.
Emergency Response and Infrastructure Damage
The Washington National Guard deployed hundreds of members to assist communities as Pierce County officials conducted more than 25 rescues by Thursday.
Interstate 90 east of Seattle was blocked by landslides, trapping vehicles with tree trunks, branches, mud, and standing water. Officials closed mountainous sections of U.S. 2 due to debris, while Amtrak suspended train service between Seattle and Vancouver. More than 11,000 customers lost electricity by Thursday night.
Human Impact and Recovery Challenges
Families like the Rosas experienced devastating losses, with seven-year-old Jocelyn returning to find her home in a Monroe mobile park completely underwater.
Her father, Jose, explained they had moved there two months earlier to save money for his wife’s cancer treatment. The Skykomish River crested at 24 feet, nine feet above flood stage, and the highest level since 2006. Governor Ferguson warned that the impact would be significant in the days ahead, calling it “an understatement.”
