An atmospheric river event that has been pummeling the Pacific Northwest with rain is now focused on western Washington, where “historic” flooding could force 100,000 people to evacuate.
After two days of rain, 4 to 8 more inches are possible Wednesday and Thursday in the higher elevations of western Washington state.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced a state of emergency Wednesday and pleaded with residents to follow evacuation orders.
Law enforcement officers walk through rising waters as they help residents evacuate, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Sultan, Washington, on December 10, 2025.
David Ryder/Reuters
“The situation is extremely serious,” he said at a news conference.
In a statement posted to X on Wednesday evening, Ferguson said state officials anticipate potentially 100,000 state residents could face evacuation orders.
“The situation is fluid and changing all the time. We expect rivers to reach record levels tomorrow at 4am, continuing into Friday morning.”
Skagit County officials said Wednesday that upstream communities, including Rockport, Hamilton, Marblemount and Concrete, “are advised to evacuate to high ground as soon as possible,” calling flood predictions “historic.”
Eastside Fire and Rescue, serving King County, posted on unknown who assisted with water rescues on Wednesday when a flood and landslide affected residents.
An atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Fall City, Washington, on December 9, 2025.
David Ryder/Reuters
Three adults with limited mobility and a dog in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River were rescued due to flooding at their home, and a landslide on eastbound I-90 blocked lanes, officials said on unknown.
Most rivers in the region are forecast to reach moderate to major flood levels. Record flooding is forecast for some rivers, especially the Skagit River at Mount Vernon and Concrete, Washington, which could rise 3 to 5 feet above record levels beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing through Friday.
In a post on XWashington Sen. Maria Cantwell said she had spoken to the National Weather Service and was “alarmed” to hear that the Skagit River could peak at 5 feet above its record high level. “Please stay alert and follow evacuation orders,” he posted. “This is not just another flood.”
The Snoqualmie River between Snoqualmie and Carnation will continue to rise through Thursday morning, reaching major flood stage and causing flooding of farmland, roadways and residential areas from Snoqualmie to Fall City and Carnation.
US-12 is already under water in several areas and the small town of Randle has been isolated, officials said Wednesday.
An atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Fall City, Washington, on December 9, 2025.
David Ryder/Reuters
Amtrak said trains between Seattle and Vancouver are suspended Thursday and Friday due to the high level of the Skagit River.
While the heavy rain will end Thursday afternoon, it will take several days for some rivers to fully recede.
Heavy rain will also affect northern Idaho and Montana over the next 24 hours, with localized flash flooding possible.
