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Second Atmospheric River Triggers Major Flooding in Washington as Rivers Near or Break Records

Forecasters expect another surge of rain to drive new crests through Friday.

Overview

  • Washington’s State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 1, its highest activation, as flood watches and warnings stretch across western Washington.
  • The Snoqualmie River at Snoqualmie Falls reached its highest level in a decade, with gauges measuring roughly 17.9 feet on Tuesday.
  • NOAA forecasts the Skagit River to crest above previous records near Concrete and Mount Vernon, and officials urged low-lying residents to prepare for possible evacuation as shelters are readied with the Red Cross.
  • Rivers are expected to rise again with continued downpours, with wind gusts near 40–45 mph inland and stronger gusts along the coast, plus Cascade snow increasing travel and landslide risks.
  • Snohomish County declared an emergency as responders conducted high-water rescues, closed roads and delayed schools, and the Everett Animal Shelter began relocating animals due to rising Snohomish River levels.