Full Breakdown
Historic Flooding in Washington State: Emergency Declarations and Evacuations
12/11/2025, 8:23:30 AM
Overview of the Flooding Crisis
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on December 10, 2025, as an intense atmospheric river brought unprecedented rainfall, leading to widespread flooding across western Washington. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted that some areas could receive between 6 to 8 inches of rain, with higher elevations potentially seeing even more. This severe weather has prompted evacuation orders for numerous communities, particularly those near the Skagit and Snohomish rivers, which are expected to reach record flood levels.
Key Developments and Evacuations
As of Wednesday, 23 rivers in Washington were reported to be flooding, with significant concerns for the Skagit River, which is projected to crest at approximately 47 feet in Concrete, surpassing its previous record by several feet. Evacuation orders have been issued for low-lying areas, including a Level 3 "Go Now" notice for parts of Orting in Pierce County, where residents were urged to evacuate immediately due to the rising Puyallup River. In Skagit County, officials warned that residents in the 100-year floodplain should prepare for potential evacuation within 24 hours.
Emergency Response and Resources
The Washington National Guard has been activated, with over 300 members deployed to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. Governor Ferguson emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, “Lives will be at stake in the coming days.” The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to its highest level to coordinate state assistance, and swift water rescue teams are mobilizing to aid those affected by the flooding.
Senator Maria Cantwell has also called for federal assistance, highlighting the need for immediate resources to respond to what she termed “potential once-in-a-lifetime flooding.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed response teams to the region, with additional resources on standby.
Impacts on Infrastructure and Communities
The flooding has resulted in significant road closures, including a 50-mile stretch of Highway 2, which is closed due to landslides and flooding. Local authorities have reported multiple rescues, including families trapped in their homes and individuals stranded in vehicles. Communities across western Washington are experiencing severe disruptions, with schools closed and emergency shelters opened for displaced residents.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the emergency declarations, there are concerns regarding the federal response to natural disasters in Washington. Past experiences under the Trump administration have left some officials wary of the federal government's willingness to provide aid. Governor Ferguson noted the importance of securing federal resources to save lives and protect property, emphasizing that the state has previously struggled to access disaster funding.
What's Next
Forecasters predict that the atmospheric river conditions will persist, with additional rainfall expected through the week. The Climate Prediction Center has warned of continued wet patterns, suggesting that the risk of flooding may extend into late December. Residents are advised to stay informed through local emergency management updates and to heed evacuation orders as conditions evolve.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Lives will be at stake in the coming days.” — Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington
- “We are working to get federal assistance immediately available to respond to the potential once-in-a-lifetime flooding in the State of Washington, especially around the Puget Sound, north Cascades, and low-lying areas east of the mountains,” — Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senator
- “This is historic flooding,” — Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington
The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor river levels and weather forecasts closely as they prepare for further impacts from this severe weather event.
