Washington State Declares Emergency Amid Historic Flooding Threats
Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency in Washington as heavy rains from an atmospheric river threaten historic flooding, prompting evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday in response to heavy rainfall from an atmospheric river, which has led to rising river levels and the potential for historic flooding. The National Weather Service has warned of possible catastrophic flooding along the Skagit and Snohomish rivers, with landslides likely in areas of steep terrain.
In Skagit County, officials have recommended that residents in upriver communities, including Rockport, Hamilton, Marblemount, and Concrete, evacuate to higher ground as soon as possible, citing historic flooding predictions. The Skagit River is expected to crest at approximately 47 feet in Concrete early Thursday and around 41 feet in Mount Vernon early Friday, both surpassing previous records by several feet.
The Washington National Guard has been activated to assist with the emergency response, with hundreds of members being deployed to support affected communities. Authorities have also closed major highways, including sections of Interstate 90 and U.S. 2, due to landslides and flooding.
Residents are urged to heed evacuation orders and stay informed through official channels as the situation develops.
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