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.

This live blog covers updates from Thursday, Dec. 11. We have a new live blog with the latest information and developments for Friday, Dec. 12 here.

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.

8:30 p.m.: Skagit River has yet to crest

While most rivers around western Washington hit their highest levels from the atmospheric river on Thursday, the Skagit River, which carries flash flooding potential, has yet to crest.

The Skagit River could potentially hit record levels at around 4 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for western Skagit County through Friday night due to potential levee failure.

Friday will likely see lingering effects from the major flooding at other major rivers across western Washington, after the Snohomish, Nooksack and Cedar rivers all reached record crests on Thursday.

Skagit County Emergency Shelters are open at Concrete High School (7830 South Superior Avenue), Family Promise at Central United Methodist Church (1013 Polte Road, Sedro-Wooley), and the Red Cross Shelter at Bethany Covenant Church (1318 South 18th Street, Mount Vernon). Parking lots are available at Silo Park, Concrete Community Center, and behind Superior Building.

5:28 p.m.: King County Executive issues emergency order

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay on Thursday issued an emergency order granting authority to take action related to the ongoing weather event.

Zahilay's order allows county departments to direct the clearing of debris from public and private properties, directs the closure of any or all public spaces and buildings, emergency postponement for public work projects, and "other actions as necessary" to prevent loss of life, injury or property damage.

5:00 p.m.: Families evacuated from Snohomish floodwaters

Eight adults and eight children were evacuated from floodwaters in Snohomish after river levels reached their homes.

Emergency crews from Snohomish County Fire District 4 safely rescued and evacuated the families, with assistance from the Chelan County Taskforce.

4:01 p.m.: ‘Go Now’ evacuations issued for areas in Sumner, Puyallup

Pierce County has issued a Level 3 Go Now evacuation alert for people in the Bowman Hilton RV Park. 

A Level 3 Go Now notice was also issued to all residents of the Crossroads at Meridian apartment complex, located at 1027 N. Meridian. Because of fast, rising waters from the Puyallup River, residents of this apartment complex must evacuate. The Puyallup Police Department is on scene to assist residents with the evacuation; anyone living at the apartment complex can reach out to the call center at 253-864-4170.

3:26 p.m.: Blewett Pass reopened, Stevens Pass closed

WSDOT traffic officials say US-97 Blewett Pass has reopened between the junction of SR-970 and Ingalls Creek Rd, after crews cleared dozens of trees from the road.

In the meantime, officials have closed US-2 Tumwater Canyon due to water and debris over the road.

This means that US-2 is now closed from Index through Stevens Pass, all the way to Leavenworth.

SR-207 is also closed near Beaver Valley Rd.

There is no estimated time for these roads to reopen.

3:02 p.m.: Floodwaters receding in Lewis County

The Lewis County Sheriff's Office called the FOX 13 Seattle newsroom, and they say that Randle and Packwood are accessible again.

According to authorities, floodwaters on Highway 12 receded overnight, allowing people to get back to their homes. No evacuations have been ordered today.

The sheriff's office says their rescue crews have saved more than 16 families and their pets, and also rescued a man trapped in his car from flooding.

They say they also rescued 10 people and their pets in Chehalis.

2:38 p.m. UPDATE: Renton officials close pedestrian bridges over Cedar River

Authorities in Renton have closed the pedestrian bridge on Hauser Way, as well as the pedestrian bridge under the I-405 overpass.

The Williams Ave Bridge is closed to cars for now.

According to officials, the levee is still holding: "Levels are a slight amount higher than this morning, but we are still in the predicted crest phase and all is operating as intended."

2:24 p.m.: Duvall ‘cut off’ by flooding

Sources tell FOX 13 Seattle that the City of Duvall is completely cut off by floodwaters.

Eastside Fire & Rescue is urging residents to stay off of closed roads, as they have rescued several people in the Duvall, Carnation and Fall City areas.

Currently, people are urged to stay home. In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately.

1:55 p.m.: Gov. Ferguson says "at least 30 highways have been shut down"

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson held a press conference outside the Cardinal Center at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon.

Ferguson says that information from the National Weather Service describes flooding in Washington as "potentially catastrophic and potentially having significant loss of life," said Ferguson. "That is our approach. This— we're handling it as if that is the case, because it is."

Ferguson said he spoke with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, walking the federal government through the state's historic flood levels, and the tens of thousands of people being evacuated, in hopes of persuading them to free up funding for recovery efforts.

"Significant highways have closed, since last night [it] has doubled. We're now at 30 or 31 highways across our region that have closed, including here in Skagit County, SR-20 and SR-530, those due to flooding," said Ferguson. "The situation is extremely unpredictable. We're using the best information we can to provide guidance for the people of the state. But it is unpredictable. And I just want to emphasize that if you have instructions to evacuate from your local authorities, please, please, please evacuate."

1:38 p.m.: Flooding forecast from the FOX 13 Weather Team

A weakening atmospheric river will bring fewer showers and calmer skies starting Thursday afternoon.

Several area rivers remain under flood warnings Thursday, with several rivers cresting Thursday and Friday morning. The Skagit, Snohomish, and Cedar River are all forecast to crest at all-time record levels. Some communities are seeing catastrophic flooding and impassible roads. Remember, "Turn Around, Don’t Drown."

The next round of widespread rain will arrive Monday.

High temperatures will remain mild, in the 50s, through the middle of next week.

1:20 p.m.: Summit at Snoqualmie ski slopes appear bare after atmospheric river rainfall

The atmospheric river passing over western Washington is not doing any favors for ski resorts. Skiers and snowboarders may have to wait even longer for opening day announcements. The slow start is especially disappointing after forecasts called for a La Niña winter, which typically brings abundant mountain snow. 

According to Ski Central's 10-year average opening dates, the Summit at Snoqualmie typically opens around Dec. 12. Webcams from the resort show that the slopes have lost much of their progress in building a solid snow base. As of Thursday, Dec. 11, only patches of snow remain at mid-mountain at Alpental, along with piles of wet, soggy machine-made snow on Snoqualmie's beginner hill.

Here's a screenshot taken from the Summit of Snoqualmie's webcam earlier this month.

1:11 p.m.: Renton authorities expect roads to flood, update travel guidance

The Renton Regional Fire Authority published new travel guidance, as authorities expect roads — including SR-169 — along the Cedar River to become flooded and impassible.

"River levels along the Cedar River from Renton to the Landsburg Road SE area will remain high and with a likelihood of reaching record levels through Saturday. Deep and fast flows of water will likely make local roads impassable, including SR 169," the agency posted in an alert. "Leaving by vehicle should still be possible, however, if you need additional assistance leaving the area, the King County Sheriff’s Office is available by calling 911."

Families displaced by flooding can stay at New Community Church at 21401 244th Ave SE in Maple Valley; authorities say the flood shelter will be open 24/7 and will provide cots, meals and electronic charging stations, although pets are not allowed.

As always, officials urge that you avoid walking or driving through standing or moving water, not to bypass road closures, and use routes on high-ground whenever possible.

Drivers are warned to avoid Maple Valley Highway (Highway 169), as it is expected to flood.

More information can be found on the King County Public Emergency Alerts page.

12:59 p.m.: Level 3 ‘Go Now’ evacuations ordered for South Prairie

Evacuations have been ordered for people in South Prairie, specifically along the South Prairie Creek.

Level 3 evacuations — meaning "go now" — are in effect for homes between SR-162 and S Prairie Rd E, west to Emery Ave N. Pierce County Sheriff's deputies are going door-to-door to alert neighbors.

Level 2 evacuations — meaning "be set" — are in effect for homes on Rainier Ave SE and SE Second St.

11:56 a.m.: Residents near Stocker Farms in Snohomish Valley evacuate

10:54 a.m.: US-2 closed east of Stevens Pass with no ETA

The Washington State Department of Transportation said US-2 is closed east of Stevens Pass from Coles Corner at milepost 85 through Tumwater Canyon to Leavenworth. High water is blocking the roadway and there is no estimated time for reopening, and no detours.

10:28 a.m.: Nooksack River dike damaged in Whatcom County, WA; cities evacuated

According to Whatcom Ready, a government organization, the Nooksack River dike is damaged, forcing residents in nearby cities to evacuate. 

"On Wednesday, residents of Sumas, Nooksack and Everson were evacuated, as was Marietta and portions of Ferndale, and floodwaters covered streets and closed businesses in those cities," Whatcom Ready posted on Facebook. "Overnight, from Wednesday into Thursday, Dec. 11, the National Weather Service’s forecast changed from "moderate" to "major flooding" which led to a mudslide on Silver Lake Road, a landslide in Kendall that damaged one home, several bridge closures, and overtopping of levees as well as potential damage to the Twin View dike. "

Officials say Everson City Hall was damaged overnight and crews are evaluating the severity.

The border crossing at Sumas was also closed and personnel have evacuated.

10:33 a.m.: WSDOT live camera shows Sumas, WA completely flooded

All access points into Sumas, Washington are closed by floodwaters.

10:06 a.m.: US-12 washed out near Naches, WA

US-12, northwest of Yakima near Naches, is completely washed out.

"Thankfully, they closed this road overnight before this happened," Brian MacMillan said on Good Day Seattle. 

MacMillan said there is a detour around it but the Naches River overflowed its banks and chewed up the road. Both lanes are covered by floodwater as of Thursday morning.

9:32 a.m.: SR-410 in Sumner, WA closed due to flooding

WSDOT Tacoma announced at 9:32 a.m. that SR-410 in Sumner was closed in both directions between Main/Traffic Avenue and SR-162/Valley Avenue due to flooding.

8:28 a.m.: More than 11,000 lose power near Chelan, WA; Leavenworth completely in the dark

Right now all of Leavenworth, Washington is in the dark. Chelan Public Utilities is reporting 11,000 buildings without power. This includes Peshastin, Chumstick and Lower Icicle Creek. 

Crews estimate they'll have the lights back on by 6 p.m. Thursday night.

A FOX 13 viewer sent us a photo of a tree that fell onto a house. She said there are several trees down throughout the area as the region deals with strong winds.

8:23 a.m.: ‘Please avoid Sumas area at all costs’: City warns all access points are flooded

"Floodwaters are beginning to creep into town, and all access points into Sumas are now closed," the City of Sumas announced on Facebook.

• CLOSED: East Badger Road due to water on the roadway.
• CLOSED: Halverstick Road, Garrison Road and Clearbrook Road are also fully closed with water on the roadways.

8:08 a.m.: Cedar River in Renton, WA on track to break all-time flood level record

8:00 a.m.: Viewers from all over western WA send photos of severe weather

Email photos to FOX13Tips@fox.com.

7:52 a.m.: Helicopter team rescues two drivers trapped in swift water

Eastside Fire and Rescue posted a video of a dramatic rescue from Wednesday night. Its crews, along with Fall City Fire, the King County Sheriff's Office and Whidbey Naval Helicopter Team rescued two drivers who got caught in the swift waters. Authorities say one ended up on the roof of their vehicle, and the other in a tree.

7:00 a.m.: Snohomish River at Snohomish breaks all-time flood level record

"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

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.

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.

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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