by Duvall, WA – Residents across western and central Washington faced dramatic rescues and widespread damage this week as an unusually strong atmospheric river brought over a foot of rain to the region, swelling rivers and inundating communities. Thousands were forced to evacuate as rivers, sloughs, and low-lying farmland turned into torrents of floodwater.
Families Rescued From Rising Floodwaters
For Eddie Wicks and his wife, longtime residents of Duvall, the rising waters of the Snoqualmie River became dangerously fast. After moving their two donkeys to higher ground and their eight goats to the outdoor kitchen, the river rose four feet in just four hours, far faster than anything they had experienced during decades of living in the city.
Deputies from the King County Sheriff’s Office marine rescue dive unit rescued the couple and their dog, transporting them by boat across what had become a half-mile-wide lake across their farm. The Wicks family’s property, known for its sunflower mazes and Christmas trees, was just one of thousands affected by the flooding.
Widespread Evacuations and Emergency Response
Authorities issued “go now” evacuation orders to tens of thousands of residents in the Skagit River flood plain, including the farming city of Burlington, home to nearly 10,000 people. By Friday morning, overflowing muddy water prompted urgent warnings and additional evacuations in Burlington.
The National Guard played a key role in assisting residents, going door-to-door to inform families of evacuation notices and helping transport them to shelters. By late Friday morning, parts of Burlington had their evacuation orders lifted as waters began to slowly recede.
Record-Setting Rivers and Rising Threats
The Skagit River, which drains the Cascade Range before winding across low-lying farmland and tulip fields to Puget Sound, crested overnight Thursday into Friday at 37 feet in the valley city of Mount Vernon, surpassing the previous record by several inches. Authorities warn that waters will remain dangerously high for days, and the threat of levee failures, mudslides, and additional rainfall forecast for Sunday could worsen conditions.
Across the state, flooding caused roads and bridges to wash out, debris and mudslides blocked highways, and dozens of water rescues were conducted. Despite the severity of the floods, no deaths have been reported so far.
State and Federal Emergency Declarations
President Donald Trump signed Washington’s request for an emergency declaration, Governor Bob Ferguson confirmed. The declaration allows additional federal resources to assist local authorities in responding to the widespread flooding and evacuations.
Officials have yet to determine the total economic cost of the damage, but videos and photos reveal entire neighborhoods submerged, farm fields inundated, and communities isolated by floodwaters.
Preparing for Ongoing Threats
Emergency management officials emphasize that residents should remain vigilant. Robert Ezelle, director of the Washington Military Department’s emergency management division, warned that rivers are likely to rise again with Sunday’s rainfall, potentially exacerbating the flooding in already vulnerable areas.
Officials continue to coordinate evacuations, rescue operations, and relief efforts, urging residents in flood-prone areas to follow safety directives and remain prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
What Do You Think?
How should local authorities improve flood preparedness and response for communities near rivers like the Snoqualmie and Skagit? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
