Communities along Skagit River prepare for possible flooding
SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. - Communities from Sedro Woolley, downstream to Mount Vernon, braced for possible flooding from the Skagit River on Friday.
A flood warning continued in those areas, as the river surpasses the flood stage at 28 feet and is forecasted to crest at 29.8 feet by late Friday night.
Communities like Concrete, Lyman, and Hamilton experienced minor flooding earlier in the day. Waters began to recede throughout one neighborhood in Hamilton. Some people who live near the river said they were still on guard since the flood warning remained in some parts of Skagit County.
"If it does come through and it comes through fast, you’ve got to get out of here," said Susan Cortez, who lives near Skagit River.
RELATED: Moderate flood stage in low areas and sections of roads along Skagit River
Roads in Hamilton were blocked and barriers were in place to help prevent high waters from spilling into town. Cortez said the levels were highest in her neighborhood earlier Friday morning. She said she heard at least two sirens to help notify the town of the rising water, with the first one sounding late Thursday night.
"They give you enough time too, so that’s why you’re prepared, because they give you enough time," said Cortez. "We live in Washington. It’s rainy, it’s going to happen. So, you just go about being a Washingtonian."
Skagit River is forecasted to fall below the flood stage late Frida night. The river flooding warning remains in effect in the Mount Vernon area through 5 p.m. on Oct. 30.
Stay connected with emergency information on flooding in Skagit County by visiting SkagitCounty.net/flood. You can also call the current river level hotline at 360-416-1404.
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