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Up To 100,000 Face Evacuation Orders As Washington Flooding Worsens

The National Weather Service warned of potentially "catastrophic" impacts from the flooding that's setting new records.

Record Flooding Transforms Snoqualmie Falls

A state of emergency remains in effect and tens of thousands are on alert for possible evacuations as an atmospheric river continues to wreak havoc with widespread flooding in parts of Washington.

As of Thursday morning, the Snohomish River at Snohomish, Washington, topped its previous record crest from 35 years ago. The river is still rising in several other locations.

FEMA response teams have been deployed to the state following more than a foot of rain in some areas.

"Lives will be at stake in the coming days," Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said after declaring a state of emergency.

(MORE: If You're Caught In A Flood, Here's What To Do)

Patric Schine hugs daughter Maery, 11, after evacuating their home surrounded by flooding after heavy rains in the region Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Chehalis, Washington. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) — Patric Schine hugs daughter Maery, 11, after evacuating their home surrounded by flooding after heavy rains in the region Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Chehalis, Washington.
(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Wednesday afternoon, a stretch of Interstate 90 was shut down at Stevens Pass when a mudslide blocked the road, Fox 13 Seattle reported. As you can see, it was quite the mess, but everyone made it out of the incident unscathed.

"Both the Skagit and Snohomish rivers are nearing crests today," said weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman. "A sliver of good news is the Skagit River is trending a bit lower than forecast, so it's not a guarantee it will set a record crest today."

(MORE: Flowing Water Is More Powerful Than You May Think)

The rain that has fallen for days is being dumped by an atmospheric river that's funneling precipitation into the region, but the rain should finally begin to diminish later Thursday.

Still, the damage has been done. Water rescues have been needed as homes were submerged and rivers rose to dangerous levels and government offices were closed in some areas, like Skagit County.

More than 20,000 customers in Washington had lost electricity by Thursday morning, according to PowerOutage.us.

Owners of a deli business, Zahrha Hesham, left, and her brother Karrar Hesham, right, steady each other with along with Hanadi Hesham, and Yousif Hesham, behind, as they walk through the floodwaters after checking on the state of the store, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Auburn, Washington. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) — Owners of a deli business, Zahrha Hesham, left, and her brother Karrar Hesham, right, steady each other with along with Hanadi Hesham, and Yousif Hesham, behind, as they walk through the floodwaters after checking on the state of the store, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Auburn, Washington.
(AP Photo/John Froschauer)

In Mount Vernon, where residents in the 100-year floodplain were told to evacuate, Jake Lambly added sandbags, tested water pumps and moved valuables to the top floor of the home he shares with his 19-year-old son.

"This is my only asset," he said Wednesday from his front porch. "I got nothing else."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.