LIVE UPDATES: Evacuations, major river flooding across western WA
SEATTLE - Western Washington is seeing major flooding as an atmospheric river dumps heavy rain across the region, causing several local rivers to crest Wednesday night into Thursday.
(Snohomish County Fire District #4)
Level 3 evacuations, meaning "Go Now," are in effect for cities and communities near rivers, and several major highways are closed due to mudslides. FOX 13 is tracking potential catastrophic flooding as rivers reach peak levels.
To track closings and delays in western Washington for Thursday, Dec. 11, click here.
Keep reading for live weather updates for Thursday, Dec. 11.
8:08 a.m.: Cedar River in Renton, WA on track to break all-time flood level record
Cedar River in Renton, WA on track to break all-time flooding record
FOX 13 Meteorologist Abby Acone is live at the Cedar River in Renton which is cresting and on track to break the all-time record set back in 1990.
8:00 a.m.: Viewers from all over western WA send photos of severe weather
Email photos to FOX13Tips@fox.com.
7:00 a.m.: Snohomish River at Snohomish breaks all-time flood level record
Chief Meteorologist Brian MacMillan reading breaking news live on Good Day Seattle
"I do have some more breaking news," announced Chief Meteorologist Brian MacMillan. "The Snohomish River at Snohomish has just hit its highest-ever level at 33.57 feet. That is a brand new record-high level, and that will continue to stay right around that coming up here over the next 12 hours or so."
6:14 a.m.: Eastbound I-90 closed near North Bend, WA due to mudslides
According to WSDOT, I-90 is closed eastbound at milepost 27 to 32 near North Bend due to mudslides. A detour is available using local roads around the area and back onto I-90 eastbound.
6:12 a.m.: SR-18 fully closed at I-90 in Issaquah, WA due to mudslide
Washington State Patrol Troop Rick Johnson sent out an alert announcing that State Route 18 was fully closed at I-90 and the Issaquah/Hobart Road for a reported mudslide. Troopers are on their way to the scene. Check back for updates.
5:52 a.m.: Sheriff announces new road closures in Snohomish County, WA
- CLOSED: Swans Slough Road (Snohomish) is closed from Rivershore Rd to Home Acres Rd due to water over the roadway.
- CLOSED: Lowell-Sno River Rd (Snohomish) is closed from Airport Way to Everett city limits due to water over the roadway.
- CLOSED: Old 99 N (Arlington) is closed from 236th Street to Bridge 626 due to water over the roadway.
- CLOSED: Elliott Rd (Snohomish) is closed from Fales Rd to the 17000 block due to water over the roadway.
- CLOSED: 212th Street NE (Arlington) is closed at Pioneer Highway to Sill Rd due to water over the roadway.
- CLOSED: Tester Road (Snohomish) is closed at Sky Meadows Ln due to water over the roadway.
- CLOSED: Larson Rd (Stanwood) is closed from Pioneer Hwy to Bridge 101 due to water over the roadway.
- CLOSED: Marine Drive (Stanwood) is closed at Hwy 532 due to water over the roadway.
4:38 a.m.: Snohomish residents evacuated by rescue swimmers in flood waters
Before 5 a.m., Snohomish County Fire District #4 deployed rescue swimmers to evacuate residents from their homes along Lincoln Avenue in Snohomish, Washington.
Homes began taking in floodwaters late Wednesday evening. Rescue swimmers used an inflatable kayak to successfully evacuate five adults, a child, three dogs and three cats.
Other residents in the area have chosen to shelter in place.
"There are multiple road closures in the district with signs in place; however, many do not. SCFD #4 urges the community not to drive through floodwater. Please turn around and have alternative routes available, and if at all possible, please stay home," wrote Snohomish County Fire District #4.
2:46 a.m.: Several rivers reach Major Flood Stage in WA
(FOX 13 Seattle)
Before 3 a.m., a number of rivers in western Washington reached Major Flood Stage:
- Snohomish River at Snohomish
- Snohomish River near Monroe
- Snoqualmie River Near Carnation
- Snoqualmie River at Snoqualmie Falls
- Cedar River near Landsburg
- Cowlitz River at Randle
- Skagit River near Concrete — This area could hit record level by 10 a.m.
- Skykomish River near Monroe
- Skykomish River near Gold Bar
FOX 13 is tracking the Skagit River near Mt. Vernon. As of 2:46 a.m., it was in Moderate flood Stage. Forecasters say it could reach Major Flood Stage by 10 a.m.
Level 3 ‘GO NOW’ Evacuations in Skagit, Snohomish County
Multiple areas of western Washington are currently under Level 3 evacuations, with residents urged to seek higher ground immediately.
In Skagit County, the cities of Mount Vernon, Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, along with the upriver communities of Hamilton, Conway, Rockport, Marblemount and Concrete are advised to evacuate.
In Snohomish County, people living in low-lying homes in the Tualco Valley are asked to seek higher ground. Those living in the city of Sultan south of Date Street and west of 4th Street should consider relocating.
In Pierce County, the cities of Orting and Sumner saw severe flooding from the Puyallup River. Residents are asked to avoid areas near the water.
Wednesday, 9:58 p.m.: WA Governor announces All-Risk Mobilization Plan for water rescues
Thursday weather forecast: Flash Flood Watch for Skagit River
Major flooding is possible due to overnight rainfall Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with the atmospheric river slowly moving southward throughout the day.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the Skagit River through Friday due to the possibility of levees and dikes failing.
A rare Flash Flood Watch is in effect for parts of western Skagit and northwestern Snohomish county through Friday night due to possible threat of levee or dike failure. (FOX Weather)
Widespread flooding Wednesday
Many areas around the Puget Sound saw serious flooding on Wednesday, with many being rescued from dangerous floodwaters.
Mudslides led to several major road closures, including on eastbound I-90, and overnight closures of US 2 Stevens Pass and US 97 Blewett Pass.
Mudslide that caused eastbound I-90 closure Wednesday (Washington State Patrol)
Some rivers initially crested Wednesday morning into the afternoon, with another round of flooding expected into the evening hours and early Thursday morning.
Viewer photos of flooding across western Washington
Email photos to FOX13Tips@fox.com.
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The Source: Information in this story came from the websites and social media pages of various agencies and emergency management departments around western Washington, and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.