Portions of western Washington state have experienced a month’s worth of rain within the past few days, causing historic flooding, damaging mudslides and more than 100,00 people facing potential evacuations.
Gov. Bob Ferguson wrote on X Friday that President Trump approved the state’s request for an emergency declaration in order to provide federal disaster assistance.
No fatalities have been reported, though local authorities and first responders stress the life-threatening dangers associated with record-breaking flooding. The Washington National Guard said on X that it had over 300 members on duty Friday “to support local first responders in flood areas with life-saving measures.”
A foot and a half of rain pushed the water levels of at least four rivers in Washington, including the Skagit River, to hit record highs, surpassing some of their previous records set more than 35 years ago.
“Catastrophic flooding impacts along the Skagit and Snohomish Rivers will continue today,” the National Weather Service said Friday. “Major and/or record river flooding is ongoing. Both rivers are cresting this morning but will remain in major flood stage into Saturday.”
Meanwhile, the Western Cascade Foothills still face “significant flooding impacts” on Friday. In areas with steep terrain, landslides are also possible.
