Washington State Faces Severe Flooding, Emergency Declared

Residents in western Washington state are bracing for severe flooding as Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, warning that lives will be at stake in the coming days. Up to 100,000 residents could face evacuation orders as rivers, particularly the Skagit and Snohomish, are predicted to reach historic levels, with the Skagit River expected to crest at approximately 47 feet.

Communities have begun preparing, with residents filling sandbags and evacuating areas at risk of flooding. Emergency services have already conducted rescues in places like Orting and Mount Vernon, where waterways are nearing critical levels.

The National Weather Service has warned of catastrophic flooding and potential landslides, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. With heavy rain continuing, officials are anticipating further severe weather into the weekend, exacerbating an already precarious situation for thousands of residents.

The Washington National Guard is mobilizing hundreds of members to assist communities in need as the state braces for the impact of this atmospheric river event.