by WASHINGTON — Floodwaters continued to surge across several Washington communities on Friday, leaving families stranded, homes destroyed, and officials warning that the most dangerous conditions may still be developing. Although the relentless atmospheric river that drenched the region has finally weakened, rivers across the state remain in major flood stage, pushing emergency response agencies to their limits.
Record Crests Push Washington Into Crisis
Across the state, decades-old flood records were shattered as runoff from days of torrential rain overwhelmed river systems. The Skagit River near Mount Vernon reached a historic high not seen since 1990, while the Snohomish River topped its previous record from 35 years ago. Several additional rivers continued rising through Friday morning, creating a constantly shifting threat zone for communities already reeling from destruction.
In the small town of Concrete, Mariah Brosa said she watched with disbelief as violent debris slammed against her elevated riverfront home.
“I didn’t think it would come this high,” she said, describing how the floodwaters destroyed her fiancé’s work car and came inches from breaching the house.
Skagit County’s vulnerability is well-known, with Mount Vernon having endured multiple major flood events — including one in 2003 that displaced hundreds of residents. This week’s disaster, however, is shaping up to be one of the worst in modern memory.
State Declares Emergency As Rescues Continue
Gov. Bob Ferguson issued a state of emergency, warning that “lives will be at stake in the coming days” as water levels remain dangerously unstable. Federal assistance has already arrived, with FEMA teams deployed to support local emergency operations.
Flood rescues became increasingly dramatic on Thursday. In Sumas, two families were airlifted from rooftops after water surged to nearly 15 feet and inundated the fire station with three feet of water.
In Welcome, two homes collapsed directly into the Nooksack River as erosion undercut their foundations. Fortunately, no one was inside.
Even wildlife was forced into survival mode. On a flooded football field in Snoqualmie, residents captured images of elk wading through neck-high water, a visual marker of the disaster’s scope.
Roads Blocked, Power Lost, Homes Submerged
Infrastructure across the region has buckled under the strain. A significant mudslide shut down a stretch of Interstate 90 at Stevens Pass, stranding drivers and requiring hours of cleanup. Thousands of residents woke Friday to power outages affecting more than 7,000 customers, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Government offices in Skagit County and surrounding areas were closed as emergency crews focused on evacuations, sheltering, and damage control.
In Mount Vernon, residents in the 100-year floodplain were urged to evacuate as river levels approached catastrophic thresholds. Homeowner Jake Lambly spent Wednesday fortifying his property with sandbags and relocating valuables upstairs.
“This is my only asset. I got nothing else,” he said, standing on his porch as the river continued to rise.
Atmospheric River Weakens — But Damage Remains
The rain that fueled the disaster came from a persistent atmospheric river channeling Pacific moisture inland. While precipitation eased late Thursday, flooding will continue with a lag effect, as swollen rivers push excessive runoff downstream toward communities already under water.
Authorities warn that even though skies may clear, conditions remain life-threatening in several counties. Flooded roads, unstable riverbanks, hidden debris, and potential mudslides will continue to pose hazards into the weekend.
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A Community Bracing For the Unknown
For many Washington families, the crisis is far from over. Rising river levels, unstable infrastructure, and ongoing evacuations are forcing residents to confront uncertainty about their homes, safety, and long-term recovery. Volunteers, first responders, and neighbors continue to fill sandbags, offer shelter, and navigate washed-out streets — a familiar but heartbreaking routine in a region repeatedly tested by extreme weather.
As the state shifts from immediate rescues to assessing long-term damage, families across Washington are left waiting for the waters to recede and for answers about what comes next.
What Are You Seeing in Your Area?
If you’re experiencing flooding or witnessing emergency activity near your neighborhood, share what’s happening in the comments. Stories from residents help others stay aware and informed during fast-changing situations.
