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Atmospheric River Drives Record Flood Threat in Washington as Governor Declares Emergency

Rising rivers could top levees, with Skagit and Snohomish forecast to crest at record levels through Friday.

Overview

  • Washington’s emergency operations center is at its highest activation and Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency as the long-duration storm continues.
  • NOAA and the National Water Prediction Service project record or near-record crests at multiple gauges, including about 47 feet on the Skagit near Concrete, roughly 41 feet at Mount Vernon, and around 33.6 feet on the Snohomish.
  • Flood impact forecasts warn of possible levee overtopping and major damage in vulnerable basins, with at least 18 river points projected to reach major flood stage.
  • Counties issued evacuation orders and opened shelters with Red Cross support, while first responders carried out water rescues as roads, schools and some community services closed.
  • Transportation is disrupted as Amtrak Cascades suspends Seattle–Vancouver service on Dec. 11–12, with additional river crests and significant flooding risks persisting into Friday.