Introduction to the Crisis
Western Washington is facing a “historic” flooding crisis that has forced tens of thousands to flee their homes and could displace thousands more Friday as rivers reach record levels.
There have been no reports of fatalities, but local authorities and first responders stressed the potentially lethal nature of the record-breaking flooding. Warnings remain in place for some parts of the state until Saturday morning.
The Governor’s Response
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said the Skagit River was expected to crest Friday morning, making the period through Friday night critical for residents and first responders. On Friday afternoon, Ferguson said in a statement that he issued an emergency declaration with the approval of President Donald Trump. "I just received a phone call from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Secretary Noem informed me that the president signed our request for an emergency declaration. We have also received written confirmation of that emergency declaration," he said.
Flooding and Evacuations
He added that tens of thousands of Washingtonians could face orders or warnings on Friday as the flooding moves into more densely populated areas. As of Friday morning, 5 million people remain under flood watches across western Washington, according to an NBC News analysis. The National Weather Service said the Skagit reached 37.7 feet overnight and will cause severe or record flooding in the critical agricultural region from Sedro-Woolley to Mount Vernon. The threshold for a flood event is 28 feet. As of Friday morning, the Skagit’s water level started to slowly drop, according to an analysis by NBC News.
Record Creasts and Climate Change
In addition to the Skagit River at Mount Vernon, several other rivers saw record crests, according to an NBC News analysis, including at the Snohomish River in Snohomish, the Cedar River in Renton, the Nooksack River in North Cedarville and the Grays River in Rosburg. While drier weather is on the way, “the major to catastrophic flooding effects are likely to continue for several days across portions of western Washington State and northwestern Oregon,” the weather service said. New research joins studies from NASA and NOAA in showing a clear link between climate change and more intense atmospheric rivers. The storms which flow off the Pacific Ocean are becoming increasingly wet, triggering more frequent flooding as the planet warms.
Evacuations and Rescues
About 100,000 people living in the 100-year Skagit River flood plain were told to “leave now” in a county order Thursday. Ferguson said people have largely complied with the orders, but stressed that the danger remains and that more areas face flooding on Friday. Near the Canadian border, the cities of Sumas, Nooksack and Everson were also evacuated. Sumas Mayor Bruce Bosch said much of the area had been “devastated,” with damage similar to that suffered in flooding four years ago. The full extent of the damage will only become clear when the water recedes, he said. On Friday afternoon, local authorities issued evacuation orders for Burlington, Washington, a city roughly 50 miles south of the U.S.-Canadian border. “ALL RESIDENTS IN THE CITY OF BURLINGTON SHOULD EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY,” Skagit County wrote in a post on Facebook.
Rescue Efforts
Helicopters rescued two families Thursday from the roofs of properties in Sumas that had been flooded by about 15 feet of water, Frank Cain Jr., battalion chief for Whatcom County Fire District 14, told The Associated Press. Two houses in nearby Welcome collapsed and were washed into the Nooksack River, he said. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, which covers Sumas, said it would patrol to prevent lawlessness and warned would-be looters that they would be booked into the county jail. The National Guard released an image of troops rescuing a person from the roof of a vehicle in Skagit County on Thursday, one of several water rescues across the region.
Conclusion
The flooding crisis in Washington state is a severe and potentially lethal situation, with tens of thousands of people displaced and thousands more at risk. The state government and emergency responders are working to evacuate those in danger and provide aid to those affected. The crisis highlights the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and the need for continued research into the effects of climate change.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation with the flooding in Washington state?
A: The flooding in Washington state is a severe and potentially lethal situation, with tens of thousands of people displaced and thousands more at risk.
Q: What is the expected crest level of the Skagit River?
A: The Skagit River is expected to crest at 37.7 feet, causing severe or record flooding in the critical agricultural region from Sedro-Woolley to Mount Vernon.
Q: How many people are under flood watches across western Washington?
A: As of Friday morning, 5 million people remain under flood watches across western Washington.
Q: What is the link between climate change and the flooding?
A: New research joins studies from NASA and NOAA in showing a clear link between climate change and more intense atmospheric rivers, which are becoming increasingly wet and triggering more frequent flooding as the planet warms.
