Particle.news
Download on the App Store
56 ARTICLES
·
41m ago

Washington Orders Mass Evacuations as Atmospheric River Triggers Record Flooding

Forecasters warn flooding will persist despite a brief lull in rain.

Brandon Phasith carries belongings while evacuating amid rising floodwater as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Sultan, Washington, on Dec. 10, 2025.
Motorists drive over a flooded road in Northern Bellingham in Wash., Wednesday, Dec. 10.
A drone view shows a vehicle stranded in an area flooded by the Wallace River, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Gold Bar, Washington, U.S., December 10, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder
A drone view shows an area flooded by the Snoqualmie River, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Fall City, Wash., Dec. 9, 2025.

Overview

  • Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency as authorities estimated 75,000 to 100,000 people were ordered or advised to leave threatened floodplains.
  • The Skagit and Snohomish rivers approached or surpassed historic crests, with the Snohomish near 34 feet Thursday and the Skagit forecast to challenge records near Mount Vernon on Friday.
  • Hundreds of National Guard members and swift-water teams carried out evacuations and rescues across multiple counties, with no fatalities reported as of Thursday.
  • Landslides and high water shut more than 30 highways, blocked portions of I-90 and other passes, suspended Amtrak between Seattle and Vancouver, and left roughly 17,000 to 20,000 customers without power at times.
  • Officials warned that levees could be overtopped, a federal emergency request was submitted, and another rain pulse early next week could extend flooding and landslide risks.