Catastrophic Flooding Hits Western Washington: Residents on High Alert

Fri Dec 12 2025 00:14:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Severe rain and rising rivers pose imminent threat of flooding in several communities across western Washington. An evacuation order has already been issued for Skagit County as heavy rainfall continues.

As heavy rain continues to batter western Washington, authorities prepare for catastrophic flooding. Cities like Mount Vernon and Skagit County are on high alert, while evacuation orders have been placed for those near flood-prone areas. Over 17,000 customers have lost power, and rescue operations are ongoing as the region braces for more rainfall over the coming days.

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — With the region bracing for yet another round of heavy rain, tens of thousands of residents in western Washington could soon face evacuation orders as rivers approach historic flooding levels.

Following weeks of relentless rain, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, highlighting the potential risk to lives. Already, some areas within the Skagit River's floodplain have been ordered to evacuate as the state prepares for catastrophic floods.

“Catastrophic flooding is likely,” Ferguson warned, requesting additional aid including water rescue teams. The Washington National Guard will deploy hundreds of guardsmen to assist affected communities.

In Pierce County, emergency personnel have been engaged in rescue operations at RV parks engulfed by rising waters. With warnings ringing out about the dangerously high levels of the Puyallup River, evacuation orders were issued for parts of Orting.

Multiple roads, including spoiled sections of Interstate 90, experienced landslides, leading to significant travel disruptions. Over 17,000 people lost electricity as ceaseless rains continued to dampen the region.

Forecasts indicate that the Skagit River could crest at approximately 47 feet, with extraordinary water levels predicted by Friday. Officials are turning to community efforts to combat the expected flooding, with many residents preemptively sandbagging and moving valuables to higher ground.

In Mount Vernon—a city that has faced devastating floods in the past—local officials are watching the situation nervously. Ellen Gamson, director of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association, expressed concern over the historic flood levels predicted, stating, “It could potentially be catastrophic.” In anticipation, the city had completed significant flood control measures, but the risk remains as older levees could fail under the pressure.

As the atmospheric river continues to unleash moisture across the region, weather predictions remain grim. Meteorologists expect further rain, complicating an already critical situation. Some communities have closed down non-essential government services and advised residents to remain vigilant as rains continue.