A flood emergency is gripping western Washington as a second bout of heavy rainfall pushes rivers to record levels. The situation is unfolding across the region, with many waterways expected to crest on Thursday, and in places—most notably along the Skagit River—floods could set historic benchmarks.
Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency and mobilized the National Guard to assist with flood response. Roughly 300 service members are being staged and prepared to help as needed.
Up to 100,000 residents could face evacuation when rivers reach peak levels. Authorities urge residents to sign up for emergency alerts so they receive timely notices and instructions.
In Skagit County, Level 3 evacuations, meaning “GO NOW,” are in effect for residents located in the 100-year floodplain. Similar orders are in place for Concrete due to unprecedented flooding on the Skagit and Sauk rivers, Sumas in Whatcom County, Mount Vernon, and additional communities.
Dozens of roads, including major highways, are closed across the area.
Key closures include:
- Eastbound Interstate 90 shut between Snoqualmie and North Bend
- US 2 closed in both directions from Index over Stevens Pass to Coles Corner due to slides and floodwaters
- SR 20 closed in both directions in Marblemount because water covers the roadway between Conrad Road and Cascade River Road
A second surge of rain has pushed 18 rivers into major flood territory. The Skagit is projected to crest in Concrete on Thursday morning at about 48 feet and in Mount Vernon on Friday morning at more than 42 feet. Both levels would exceed prior records by roughly 4 to 6 feet, raising concerns about potential levee or dike breaches in the Skagit River Valley.
A rare flash flood watch covers much of Skagit County and parts of northern Snohomish County. If you live near a river, prepare to evacuate to higher ground and follow all official evacuation orders.
Other rivers—including the Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Stillaguamish, and Snohomish—are also expected to approach or exceed near-record levels as high water works its way from the hills toward the sea, cresting from Thursday into Friday across the region.
Rescue and safety resources are available, and residents are encouraged to monitor local alerts, road conditions, and river stages for the latest updates.
