Western Washington is underwater tonight. A powerful atmospheric river parked over the state and turned days of rain into raging floods. I am tracking record river crests, mass evacuations, and widespread damage. The emergency is still unfolding, and the water is still rising in some places.
Catastrophic Flooding, Historic Crests
Since December 8, warm, moisture-laden air has poured into the region and wrung itself out over the Cascades and lowlands. Rain totals have been extreme. Up to 10 inches fell in the Cascades. Some mountain slopes took close to 20 inches. Freezing levels spiked, which meant rain fell on early season snow, speeding runoff into already full rivers.
At least six major rivers are in major flood. The Skagit, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Cedar, Skykomish, and Cowlitz have all overtopped banks. Several gauges are at or above all-time records. I have confirmed that the Skagit and Snohomish basins are seeing crests that rival anything in living memory. Levees are stressed. Low-lying neighborhoods are inundated.
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Rivers at Record Levels
The Skagit River is near a new record crest, with water pouring across the floodplain and cutting off roads. The Snohomish has broken past its previous high. Communities along the Cowlitz reported a double crest, as water surged twice within a day. The scope is sweeping. Entire valleys are ringed by brown water. Emergency managers are moving quickly to pull people out.
Why This Happened, And Why It Is Worse
An atmospheric river is a long, narrow band of deep moisture. This one stretched thousands of miles across the Pacific, then stalled over Washington. That set the stage for days of warm rain. Storm after storm rode the plume, reloading the skies.
Warmer air can hold more water vapor. For every degree Celsius of warming, the air can carry about seven percent more moisture. That is simple physics. It means when an atmospheric river arrives, it often arrives stronger. We are living that reality now.
Climate change is not the only factor, but it is a force multiplier. It loads the dice for bigger rain, higher freezing levels, and more extreme floods.
Communities Under Strain, Response In Motion
Tens of thousands of residents received evacuation orders. In the Skagit River floodplain alone, entire towns have cleared out. The governor declared a statewide emergency on December 10 and activated the National Guard. Crews are running high-water vehicles and helicopters. Water rescues are ongoing.
Infrastructure is taking heavy hits. Amtrak service between Seattle and Vancouver is suspended. Mudslides and washouts have shut key routes, including parts of I‑90 and US 2 near the passes. Power outages have topped ten thousand customers and continue to fluctuate. Schools from Skagit County to parts of King County are closed. Storm drains are overwhelmed. Sewage overflows are possible.
Do not drive across flooded roads. Moving water hides washed out pavement and debris. Landslides remain likely on steep, saturated slopes.
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The Next 72 Hours
A short break is likely to arrive late Friday into Saturday. Skies may brighten in spots. That will not end the flooding. Rivers take time to drain. Some gauges will remain in major flood through the weekend. The ground is fully soaked, so slides will continue.
Another atmospheric river is possible next week. I am watching the Pacific for the next plume of moisture. If it reconnects with our coast, more heavy rain could follow. Small basins will react first, then the larger rivers.
How To Stay Safe And Prepare
If you live near a river, a stream, or a steep slope, act now. Keep your phone charged. Watch local alerts and river gauges.
- Know your evacuation routes and a higher ground meeting point
- Pack a go bag with meds, water, chargers, and key papers
- Move valuables to upper floors and unplug nonessential devices
- Never wade in floodwater, it can carry chemicals and shock hazards
- Check on neighbors who may need help
Park your car on higher ground before nightfall. Take photos of your home for insurance. Keep pets crated and ready to go.
Building Real Resilience
We cannot sandbag our way out of this every year. Washington needs room for rivers to spread safely. That means restoring floodplains, setting levees back, and buying out the most at risk properties. It means elevating homes that will remain, and relocating critical facilities out of harm’s way. Cities can use green streets, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to soak up storms. Forest and watershed projects can slow runoff. Modern maps, better warning systems, and strong building codes can save lives and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which areas are hardest hit right now?
A: The Skagit and Snohomish basins are seeing the most severe river flooding. Parts of the Cowlitz, Snoqualmie, Cedar, and Skykomish are also at major flood stage.
Q: How long will the flooding last?
A: Some rivers will stay high through the weekend. Low-lying areas will drain slowly. Landslide risk will remain elevated even after the rain stops.
Q: What is an atmospheric river?
A: It is a band of deep moisture in the sky. Think of it as a river in the air. When it stalls over land, it can dump extreme rain.
Q: Are these floods linked to climate change?
A: Yes. Warmer air carries more moisture, so heavy rain events can get heavier. Freezing levels rise too, which boosts runoff.
Q: What should I do if I am told to evacuate?
A: Go right away. Take your go bag, pets, and important documents. Do not wait for water to reach your door.
The water will recede, but the lesson is clear. We must plan for a wetter, warmer future, and we must do it now. I will continue to monitor the gauges, the skies, and the next storm lining up over the Pacific. Stay alert, stay safe, and look out for one another.
