Western Washington faces its worst flooding in nearly 40 years. An atmospheric river dumped 10 to 17 inches of rain in just 72 hours, overwhelming towns and swelling rivers to levels unseen since 1990.
The downpour forced Governor Bob Ferguson to trigger emergency protocols normally reserved for once-in-a-century disasters.
Millions in Peril
Weather officials warn that 5.8 million people across western Washington and northern Oregon face flood danger.
The U.S. National Weather Service issued flood watches covering multiple counties and river valleys.
State and federal agencies now coordinate emergency response across coastal areas, river valleys, and mountain regions simultaneously.
Rivers Break Records
Three major rivers shattered decades-old records. The Skagit River near Mount Vernon crested at 37.73 feet Friday morning, December 12, beating the 1990 record of 37.4 feet.
Forecasters predict levels may reach 42 feet. The Snohomish River surpassed its 1990 record of 33.5 feet. Ten western Washington rivers entered major flood stage.
Evacuation Orders Escalate
About 100,000 residents received Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation orders across western Washington. Skagit County alone must move roughly 75,000 people from their homes.
The evacuation spans at least six counties. National Guard troops conducted door-to-door checks to ensure residents left dangerous areas.
Emergency Declaration Signed
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on December 10, 2025. The proclamation cites “extreme rainfall causing major coastal, river, and local flooding.”
This action allows the governor to waive rules and expedite resource distribution. On December 12, President Donald Trump signed a federal emergency declaration, authorizing the release of additional federal aid.
Swift-Water Rescues Surge
Fire crews rescued 60 to 70 people from Snohomish County between Wednesday and Friday. Rescue swimmers used inflatable kayaks to pull families, pets, and belongings from rising water.
A sheriff’s helicopter saved five people and two dogs from Sultan on Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters from across the state mobilized to help. No deaths reported through Friday morning.
Burlington’s Complete Evacuation
Burlington, a city of approximately 9,200 people in Skagit County, ordered everyone to evacuate as the Skagit River approached record levels.
National Guard troops and deputies went door-to-door, using inflatable rafts to move people through floodwaters.
Officials warned that broken levees could flood homes up to the rooftops. Nearby Mount Vernon’s levee held firm despite record water levels.
Infrastructure Severed
Over 30 highways across western Washington were closed due to floods and mudslides. Eastbound Interstate 90 near North Bend suffered a mudslide blocking all lanes for 5 miles.
Highway 2 at Stevens Pass became impassable for 28 miles between Index and Coles Corner. State Routes 203 and 410, as well as many secondary roads in five counties, are also closed.
Rail Disruptions Across Borders
BNSF Railway sections flooded and closed as water destroyed tracks and bridge approaches.
In British Columbia, five of the six main highways to Vancouver shut down due to floods, landslides, and avalanche danger.
Highways 1, 3, and 99 are all closed. Amtrak suspended train service between Seattle and Vancouver on Thursday and Friday.
Levee Vulnerability Exposed
State officials identified serious weaknesses in levees and dikes that were repaired after the 2021 floods.
The National Weather Service warned that failing levees would flood “streets, homes, and farmland” under record water pressure.
Skagit County Emergency Director Julie de Losada said, “vulnerabilities exist where repairs were made since 2021.” The 100-year floodplain could be completely submerged.
2021 Parallel Looms
State officials compared this flood to the 2021 atmospheric river that severely impacted British Columbia.
That November 2021 storm dropped a month’s rain in two days, killed four people, and cut rail service to Vancouver.
It resulted in over $500 million in insured damages. Total damage reached $7.5 billion, including uninsured losses.
Economic Threat Assessment
State officials warn that the damage could match or exceed that of the 2021 British Columbia disaster.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell stated that highway closures alone cost between $7 million and $10 million annually.
The Sumas border crossing, a key trade point, shut down. Agricultural losses remain unknown but severe, since Skagit County’s floodplain feeds the entire Pacific Northwest region.
Second Storm Warning
The National Weather Service forecasts another atmospheric river arriving Sunday evening.
This Level 4 storm will drop 1 to 3 more inches of rain on already-soaked ground. Saturated soil cannot absorb heavy rain quickly, which sharply raises the flash flood risk.
Rivers expected to drop could surge back to dangerous levels Tuesday and Wednesday.
Holiday Season Complications
Officials warn that recovery will take far longer than the immediate crisis. Governor Ferguson said, “For those displaced, I extend my deepest sympathies.
This is a prolonged situation.” Skagit County estimates 75,000 people need temporary housing. Saturated ground slows water drainage, and new storms next week could delay recovery until late December.
Resilience Questions Ahead
Serious questions now emerge about whether infrastructure can handle more intense flooding. Scientists say atmospheric river storms will likely become more frequent and severe in the coming decades.
The 2021 and 2025 events, separated by just four years, suggest rising danger rather than isolated events.
Can Washington handle back-to-back 100-year floods within a decade?
Sources:
- Reuters, Torrential rains unleash widespread flooding, evacuations, December 11, 2025
- KUOW, Live updates: Rivers have crested, but Western Washington flood threat continues to loom, December 11, 2025
- Fox 13 Seattle, WA rivers hit record levels, highest in 10 years, December 9, 2025
- CNN, Washington flooding: More atmospheric rivers coming for flooded Washington and the West Coast, December 12, 2025
- Insurance Journal, Washington Faces Historic Floods That Have Washed, December 11, 2025
- Washington Governor’s Office, Governor Ferguson declares statewide emergency responding to major flooding, December 9, 2025