Washington State Declares Emergency Amid Floods, Mudslides/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Washington state has declared a state of emergency following torrential rain that triggered mudslides, flooding, and widespread evacuations. Rivers are overflowing, highways are blocked, and Amtrak has suspended service. Officials warn that more rain is on the way as historic flood levels approach.
Washington Flood Emergency: Quick Looks
- State of emergency declared as rains intensify statewide
- Skagit River could reach record-breaking flood levels
- Thousands face evacuations; towns issue urgent alerts
- Mudslide blocks I-90; roads closed across region
- Over 17,000 residents without power as storms continue
- National Guard deployed for rescues and flood response
- Amtrak halts service between Seattle and Vancouver
- Climate-driven weather pattern linked to intense flooding
- Second storm system forecast to hit starting Sunday
Washington State Declares Emergency Amid Floods, Mudslides
Deep Look
Washington state is under a statewide emergency as relentless rain continues to pound the region, bringing with it catastrophic flooding, dangerous mudslides, and forced evacuations that have already impacted thousands. On Wednesday night, Governor Bob Ferguson declared the emergency, warning that “lives will be at stake in the coming days” as the storm system intensifies.
The torrential rain, part of a powerful atmospheric river system, has already overwhelmed rivers, washed out roads, and cut off communities across western and central Washington. As of Thursday morning, heavy rainfall continued, especially in counties along the Cascade Mountains, with some areas seeing over 6 inches of rain in just 24 hours. Snoqualmie Pass alone recorded 1.7 inches in six hours, according to the National Weather Service.
Rising Rivers and Widespread Evacuations
Skagit County, a heavily populated and agriculturally important region north of Seattle, issued evacuation orders for all residents within the Skagit River floodplain. Officials warned that “catastrophic flooding is likely” and requested additional water rescue teams and equipment.
The Skagit River is forecast to crest at 47 feet in Concrete on Thursday and 41 feet in Mount Vernon by early Friday. While flood defenses have been strengthened since a devastating 2003 flood, including a major floodwall completed in 2018, officials remain concerned that the incoming surge may exceed current protections.
Darrin Morrison of Skagit County’s Dike District 3 noted the uncertainty of the event. “We feel very confident that we can handle a ‘normal flood,’ but no one really knows what a 41, 42-foot river looks like south of Mount Vernon.”
City services and government offices across the county, including courts, were closed Thursday in anticipation of worsening conditions.
Communities Brace for Impact
Residents and businesses in flood-prone areas have spent the last 48 hours sandbagging, moving valuables, and preparing for the worst. In Mount Vernon, Ellen Gamson, director of the Downtown Association, said the flood could be “potentially catastrophic” if river levels breach levees or top the protective floodwall.
Local resident Jake Lambly, preparing his home for potential inundation, echoed the anxiety many feel. “This is my only asset. I got nothing else,” he said.
In Orting, southeast of Seattle, water levels along the Puyallup River forced partial evacuations and water rescues. Deputies helped residents — including one man wearing a Santa hat — wade through waist-high water in an RV park as river levels surged dangerously.
Roads Blocked and Rail Service Suspended
A major mudslide Thursday blocked a section of Interstate 90 east of Seattle, stranding vehicles in a mix of trees, mud, and water. Eastside Fire & Rescue released images showing several trapped cars surrounded by flood debris.
In response to hazardous road conditions, Amtrak suspended all passenger rail service between Seattle and Vancouver, further complicating travel plans for thousands during the busy pre-holiday season.
A separate closure on U.S. Route 2 was ordered due to rocks, trees, and debris covering parts of the highway.
As of Thursday morning, more than 17,000 customers were without power across Washington, according to data from PowerOutage.us, with utility crews struggling to keep up as new outages occur.
Storm Fueled by Atmospheric River
Meteorologists say the current storm is fueled by a powerful atmospheric river — a narrow but intense stream of tropical moisture stretching across the Pacific Ocean. The system is delivering wave after wave of heavy rainfall and is forecast to continue into the weekend.
“This is a jet stream of moisture with the nozzle pushing right along the coast of Oregon and Washington,” said Harrison Rademacher of the National Weather Service.
The same pattern has battered other regions in past years, and scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of these events. While no single storm can be directly attributed to global warming, the broader trend shows extreme weather — floods, wildfires, and droughts — becoming more common.
Emergency Response and Outlook
The Washington National Guard is deploying hundreds of personnel to assist with evacuation efforts and emergency response, particularly in areas cut off by floodwaters. Boats and high-water vehicles are being positioned strategically as new rescue requests continue to come in.
In Sumas, a small city near the Canadian border, sirens blared Wednesday night, urging residents to evacuate. Southbound commercial traffic was suspended at the border to make room for fleeing residents.
Looking ahead, a second storm system is expected to arrive by Sunday, bringing yet more rain to an already saturated region. Meteorologists warn that ground stability is weakening, raising concerns of additional landslides and flooding in the days leading up to the holidays.
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