BREAKING: Governor Declares Emergency – 100,000 EVACUATED!

A partially submerged vehicle in floodwaters

When 100,000 Americans receive evacuation orders in a single day, you know Mother Nature has unleashed something truly extraordinary upon the Pacific Northwest.

Story Overview

Catastrophic atmospheric river dumps over 10 inches of rain across western Washington, breaking multiple river records
Governor Bob Ferguson declares statewide emergency and deploys 300+ National Guard members for flood response
Skagit River forecast to reach unprecedented 42-foot crest, prompting mass evacuations in Burlington and Mount Vernon
Multiple major rivers including Snohomish, Green, and Yakima simultaneously reach dangerous flood stages

Nature’s Fire Hose Targets the Pacific Northwest

Beginning December 8, 2025, an atmospheric river of exceptional strength stalled over western Washington like a celestial fire hose that refused to shut off. This meteorological monster delivered roughly 5 trillion gallons of water across the region in just one week. The culprit was a persistent high-pressure ridge near California that blocked weather systems from their usual southward path, forcing multiple storm fronts to repeatedly pummel the same unfortunate territory.

What made this atmospheric river particularly devastating was its combination with record-breaking warm temperatures that pushed snow levels above 7,000 feet. Existing snowpack melted rapidly under warm rain, turning what should have been gradual spring runoff into an immediate flood threat. Some interior locations like Yakima hit 72°F on December 10, smashing temperature records while amplifying the snowmelt contribution to already swollen rivers.

When Rivers Rewrite the Record Books

The Snohomish River broke its all-time flood record on December 11, but the real showstopper was the Skagit River’s forecast crest of 42 feet near Mount Vernon. Local officials described this projection as “an almost unthinkable number” that represented catastrophic flooding potential unlike anything in recent memory. Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan didn’t mince words: “This is a flood that we haven’t seen before. The potential for catastrophic flooding is real.”

The Green, Yakima, Cowlitz, and Nooksack Rivers all joined this unprecedented chorus of destruction, with six major waterways simultaneously reaching dangerous levels across western Washington. The Grays River near Rosburg and Yakima River at Easton also set new records earlier in the week, painting a picture of regional hydrological chaos that stretched emergency resources to their limits.

Mass Exodus from the Flood Zone

Skagit County officials didn’t hesitate when river forecasts showed catastrophic potential. They issued evacuation orders using stark, unambiguous language: “GO NOW” for approximately 100,000 residents in floodplain communities. The mandatory orders covered all of Burlington and significant portions of Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley, representing one of the largest peacetime evacuations in Washington state history.

Governor Bob Ferguson responded swiftly by declaring a statewide emergency on December 10 and deploying over 300 Washington National Guard members for rescue operations and logistical support. The state immediately began pursuing federal emergency status to unlock additional resources for what was clearly becoming a multi-county disaster requiring coordinated response across jurisdictional boundaries.

Infrastructure Under Siege

Transportation networks crumbled under the relentless assault of rising water and debris flows. A 15-mile stretch of US Highway 12 east of Morton closed completely, while numerous local roads became impassable due to flooding and mudslides. The Green River’s rise forced emergency crews to erect temporary flood barriers in Kent while closing roads throughout Auburn and Sumner.

Agricultural areas in the fertile Skagit Valley faced potential devastation as floodwaters threatened crops and topsoil that support the region’s dairy, seed, and berry industries. The economic implications extend far beyond immediate flood damage, potentially affecting food production and agricultural livelihoods for months or years to come.