Washington Emergency Officials Warn Up to 100,000 Residents May Face Evacuation Orders as Catastrophic, Historic Flooding Continues Through Week’s End
WASHINGTON — State and county emergency officials are issuing urgent warnings as rapidly worsening conditions across western Washington could leave up to 100,000 residents under evacuation orders between tonight and the end of the week. Forecasters and emergency managers say the region is heading into a period of catastrophic, historic flooding, with impacts expected to intensify overnight into Thursday and Friday.
Residents are being urged to sign up for county emergency alerts, enable notifications on their phones, and be prepared to evacuate immediately if orders are issued.
Flood Conditions Deteriorating Quickly Across Western Washington
Multiple days of relentless rainfall, fueled by a persistent atmospheric river, have pushed several rivers into dangerous territory. Communities across Skagit, Snohomish, King, Thurston, and Pierce counties are already experiencing severe impacts, with:
• Rapidly rising river levels
• Overwhelmed drainage systems
• Expanding areas of urban and rural flooding
• Increasing landslide and debris flow threats
Officials warn that the situation is evolving hour by hour, and floodwaters will continue to rise through the end of the week.
Evacuation Orders Expected as Flood Threat Reaches Highest Level
Authorities say that based on current hydrologic projections and structural concerns—including pressure on levees and saturated ground conditions—widespread evacuation orders are increasingly likely.
The number of residents potentially affected is large, especially in communities living within river floodplains or near vulnerable levees and dikes.
Emergency managers emphasize that if evacuation orders are issued, residents must leave immediately, as conditions may become life-threatening in minutes.
Storm System Will Intensify Risks Through Thursday and Friday
Meteorologists expect additional rounds of heavy rain overnight. With soils fully saturated and major rivers already swollen, even moderate rainfall will trigger:
• Major river crests approaching historic records
• Overland flooding in low-lying neighborhoods
• Roadway closures and washouts
• Dangerous travel conditions across western Washington
Officials say the combined effects of continuous rainfall and rising rivers will push the region into its highest flood risk window late tonight through Friday.
Residents Told to Prepare Now
Authorities urge residents in flood-prone areas to:
• Keep emergency go-bags ready
• Charge phones and enable emergency alerts
• Know evacuation routes before nightfall
• Move valuables and important documents to higher levels
• Avoid driving through floodwaters at all costs
Those with medical needs or limited mobility are encouraged to leave early before evacuation orders become mandatory.
For continuing coverage and emergency updates for Washington residents, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
