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Washington Declares Emergency as Atmospheric River Forces Evacuations and Near-Record River Crests

A rare flash flood watch for western Skagit warns of possible levee failure.

Overview

  • Level 3 'Go now' orders cover the Skagit River 100-year floodplain, with additional evacuations in Orting, Ebey Island, Sultan and other low-lying areas.
  • Gov. Bob Ferguson said up to 100,000 residents could face evacuation orders, and at least 300 National Guard troops plus water-rescue teams are deployed.
  • The Skagit is forecast to crest near 47 feet at Concrete early Thursday and around 41–42 feet at Mount Vernon by early Friday, with major flooding underway.
  • Landslides and high water have shut parts of Interstate 90 and U.S. 2, stranded motorists, and cut power to roughly 17,000–20,000 customers.
  • Cross-border impacts include evacuations on B.C.’s Sumas Prairie in Abbotsford and a suspension of Amtrak service between Seattle and Vancouver.