Breaking: A record strength atmospheric river has slammed western Washington. Rivers are rising fast. Evacuations are underway. I am tracking rain gauges and river stages across the region right now. The signal is clear, this is an AR5, the highest rating, and it is delivering historic rain.
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A record atmospheric river hits
An atmospheric river is a long band of deep tropical moisture. Think of it like a sky river that pours water over land. This one stretches thousands of miles across the Pacific. It is unusually wide, warm, and slow to move.
An AR5 event delivers extreme rainfall for many hours. In the Cascades, some spots have taken up to 20 inches of rain. Lower valleys have seen 4 to 10 inches. I am confirming widespread flooding from the foothills to the lowlands. Soils are saturated. Runoff is racing into every major basin.
Where flooding is worst right now
Rivers from the Canadian border to south Puget Sound are surging. The Skagit, Snohomish, and Snoqualmie are pressing toward, and in places topping, historic crests. Communities near Mount Vernon and Concrete on the Skagit have issued urgent evacuation calls. The Snoqualmie Valley is seeing rapid rises that cut roads and flood farms. Along the Puyallup, towns like Orting are under intense pressure as water pushes over banks and into neighborhoods.
Road and bridge closures are increasing by the hour. Power outages and water rescues are underway. Landslides are starting on steep terrain and burn scars. I am receiving consistent damage reports from river valleys, hill slopes, and coastal inlets. The Governor’s emergency declaration on December 10 has opened the door for rapid deployments. The National Guard is assisting with high water vehicles and evacuations.
If you are told to evacuate, go now. Never drive through flood water. Turn around, it can be deeper and faster than it looks.
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Why this is so intense, and why it keeps happening
Warm oceans load these sky rivers with more moisture. A warmer atmosphere also holds more water. That means heavier rain when storms hit land. This AR tapped subtropical heat, then aimed straight at the Cascades. Warm air kept snow levels high, so rain fell on snow in some basins. That rain on snow boosts runoff, which drives faster, higher floods.
Land use adds to the risk. Paved surfaces shed water quickly. Levees protect towns, but they also squeeze rivers into narrow channels. That can raise flood peaks downstream. Washington has faced floods in every county over the past decades. The climate signal is raising the ceiling, making the biggest events bigger.
Warmer winters mean more rain and less mountain snow at mid elevations, especially during strong storms. That shifts water from slow storage to fast runoff.
Stay safe now, and prepare for the next 48 hours
Rivers will stay high even after rain eases. Some crests lag by many hours. Additional waves of moisture are possible later this week. That means prolonged high water and more landslide risk.
- Check official alerts and river gauges often. Follow local evacuation orders.
- Keep phones charged, and have a backup power source if you can.
- Avoid banks, bridges, and closed roads. Water undercuts and fails without warning.
- If you live below a steep slope, watch for cracks, new springs, or trees tilting.
- Secure heating fuel, medications, and pets in case you must leave quickly.
Pack a go bag with water, snacks, warm layers, flashlights, chargers, key documents, and needed meds. Keep it by the door.
What comes next, from response to resilience
Emergency crews are focused on life safety today. Once waters recede, the hard work begins. We need to rebuild smarter, not just higher. Restoring floodplains gives rivers room to spread out, which lowers flood peaks. Upgrading culverts and bridges reduces washouts. Elevating homes and critical sites saves lives and cuts future losses. Better early warning, especially for landslides, will be key as these events intensify.
I am watching for any new storm pulses that could renew floods over already saturated ground. If more rain arrives, debris flows on steep terrain will remain a serious hazard through the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an AR5 atmospheric river?
A: It is the top tier on a five level scale. AR5 events are long, intense, and deliver extreme rain that can last a day or more.
Q: Which rivers face the highest risk today?
A: The Skagit, Snohomish, and Snoqualmie are near or above major flood. The Puyallup and other Puget Sound rivers are also high. Local creeks can rise fastest.
Q: How long will the flooding last?
A: Mainstem rivers can peak many hours after rain ends. Expect elevated levels through the weekend in several basins.
Q: Are landslides likely?
A: Yes. Soils are saturated, slopes are unstable, and rain is ongoing. Areas with burn scars and steep terrain face the highest risk.
Q: What should I do if I live in a floodplain?
A: Move vehicles and valuables to higher ground, keep a go bag ready, and leave if told to evacuate. Stay out of floodwaters.
Conclusion: Western Washington is facing a dangerous flood today, driven by a record strength atmospheric river and supercharged by a warmer climate. The priority is clear, protect life now, then rebuild with room for rivers, stronger infrastructure, and smarter planning. The water will fall, but the lesson cannot be ignored.
