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Washington State Flooding: Emergency declarations and Evacuations
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As of December 11, 2025, Washington State is grappling with severe flooding, prompting states of emergency and widespread evacuations. The most critical situation is unfolding in Skagit County,particularly impacting the cities of Mount Vernon and Burlington,and surrounding communities. Residents are under the highest level of evacuation orders, signaling an immediate threat to life and property.
Current Situation
Record rainfall and rapidly melting snow in the cascade Mountains have caused rivers to swell beyond their banks. The Skagit River is currently at major flood stage, inundating low-lying areas. The Nooksack River is also experiencing important flooding, impacting communities further north. These conditions have led Governor Jay Inslee to issue a state of emergency, mobilizing state resources to support local response efforts.
Evacuation Orders
Level 3 evacuations are in effect for numerous areas within Skagit County. A Level 3 evacuation means there is an immediate threat to life and property. Residents are urged to evacuate immediately and follow instructions from local emergency management officials. Specific areas under mandatory evacuation include portions of:
- Mount Vernon
- Burlington
- Concrete
- Sedro-Woolley
- The Samish River Valley
Evacuation centers have been established to provide shelter and assistance to those displaced by the flooding. Facts on shelter locations can be found on the Skagit County Emergency Management website (see Resources below).
Road Closures and Travel Disruptions
Numerous roads throughout Skagit and Whatcom counties are closed due to flooding and debris.Travel is strongly discouraged in affected areas. Major highway closures include sections of I-5, impacting regional transportation. Check the Washington State department of transportation (WSDOT) website for the latest road conditions before traveling.
Causes of the Flooding
The current flooding event is a result of a combination of factors. An atmospheric river brought prolonged and intense rainfall to Western Washington. This, coupled with unusually warm temperatures that caused rapid snowmelt in the mountains, overwhelmed river systems. Climate change is exacerbating these events, leading to more frequent and intense precipitation.
Safety Precautions
If you are in an area affected by flooding, it is crucial to take the following safety precautions:
- Heed Evacuation Orders: evacuate immediately if you are ordered to do so.
- Never Drive Through Floodwaters: Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.
- Avoid Contact with Floodwater: Floodwater can be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris.
- Turn Off Utilities: If you are evacuating, turn off gas, electricity, and water at the main switches or valves.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news and emergency alerts for updates.
Resources
- Skagit County Emergency Management: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/EmergencyManagement/
- Washington State Department of transportation (WSDOT): https://wsdot.com/
- National Weather Service Seattle: https://www.weather.gov/sew/
- Washington emergency Management Division: https://mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Level 3 Evacuation?
A Level 3 evacuation means there is an immediate threat to life and property. You should evacuate immediately and follow the instructions of emergency officials.
Where can I find information about evacuation shelters?
Information about evacuation shelter locations is available on the Skagit County Emergency Management website: More on this