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Pacific Northwest Floods Trigger Mass Evacuations as New Rains Loom

Officials attribute the deluge to an atmospheric river, leaving saturated ground with a critical 48–72 hour window for renewed flooding.

Overview

  • Washington declared a statewide emergency, with Governor Bob Ferguson warning that up to 100,000 residents could be ordered to evacuate.
  • Skagit County told about 75,000 people in flood zones to leave, with Orting, Snohomish, Sumas and parts of Abbotsford also under evacuation orders.
  • National Guard units are conducting rescues and flood defenses, and the Army says 200 additional personnel are being sent.
  • More than 30 major highways are closed or restricted, including key routes connecting the SeattleTacoma area with Vancouver.
  • River levels have dipped in some locations, but forecasters expect another storm that could extend or worsen flooding in the coming days, with no flood-related deaths confirmed so far.