An intense atmospheric river parked over western Washington and northern Oregon is unleashing historic and potentially record-breaking flooding, with emergency officials warning that conditions will worsen through the end of the week.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), an estimated six inches of rain will fall in lowland areas by week’s end, pushing most rivers into Moderate or Major flood stage—and some toward record flow levels.
Heavy rainfall earlier this week triggered widespread flooding across western Washington, and forecasters expect more rain on Wednesday, prolonging hazardous conditions and the impacts being felt across multiple counties.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for all of western Washington through Friday.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency, urging residents in flood zones to follow evacuation notices. “The situation is extremely serious,” he warned, as river levels continued rising and rescue teams worked throughout the region.
Skagit and Snohomish Rivers Expected to Break Records
Levee Overtopping Possible as Major Flooding Expands
The NWS predicts record-level flooding on the Skagit and Snohomish rivers, with both rivers at risk of overtopping levees. Skagit County officials issued urgent evacuations for upriver communities including Rockport, Hamilton, Marblemount, and Concrete, where conditions remain “historic.”
Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan said the city is preparing for a “worst-case scenario” as the Skagit River is forecast to crest at 41 feet, while upstream in Concrete levels may reach 47 feet.
Amtrak has suspended its Seattle–Vancouver service for Thursday and Friday due to rising floodwaters along the Skagit corridor.
Rescues, Road Closures and Widespread Flood Damage
Emergency Crews Respond Across Multiple Counties
Flooding has triggered numerous rescues throughout western Washington. Eastside Fire and Rescue evacuated three adults with limited mobility—and a dog—from rising waters in King County. A landslide partially shut down eastbound I-90, complicating regional travel.
In Pierce County, deputies evacuated parts of Orting, rescuing residents trapped in waist-deep water at a local RV park. The Snoqualmie River continues rising toward major flood stage, inundating farmland, homes, and roads from Snoqualmie to Fall City to Carnation. Flooding has also intensified around Snoqualmie Falls.
In Lewis County, parts of US-12 remain underwater, cutting off access to the town of Randle.
Multiple cities—including Snohomish, Auburn, and Chehalis—have issued local emergency declarations and installed temporary flood defenses. Crews rescued a family of six trapped in four feet of water.
Hundreds of Washington National Guard members are now deployed to assist affected communities.
Rivers at Major Flood Stage Across Western Washington
Below are the rivers currently at Major Flood Stage, as reported by the National Weather Service. Some rivers appear multiple times because they triggered warnings in more than one county.
King County
- Cedar River near Landsburg and Renton
- Snoqualmie River near Carnation and Snoqualmie Falls
- Tolt River near Carnation
Pierce County
- Carbon River near Fairfax
- Nisqually River near National
- Puyallup River near Orting
Snohomish County
- Snohomish River near Snohomish and Monroe
- Skykomish River near Gold Bar
- Stillaguamish River near Arlington
Lewis County
- Nisqually River near National
- Cowlitz River near Packwood and Randle
Clallam County
- Elwha River near McDonald Bridge
Skagit County
- Skagit River near Concrete and Mount Vernon
Wahkiakum County
- Grays River near Rosburg
Rivers at Moderate Flood Stage
Snohomish County
- North Fork Stillaguamish River near Arlington
- South Fork Stillaguamish River near Jordan Road Bridge
Pierce County
- South Prairie Creek at South Prairie
Thurston County
- Chehalis River near Grand Mound
- Skookumchuck River near Bucoda
Grays Harbor County
- Chehalis River near Grand Mound and Porter
Mason County
- Skokomish River near Potlatch
Lewis County
- Newaukum River near Chehalis
Kittitas County
- Yakima River near Horlick
Whatcom County
- Nooksack River near North Cedarville and Ferndale
- South Fork Nooksack River near Saxon Bridge
Yakima County
- Naches River near Naches
- Yakima River near Parker
