Flooding, evacuations, road closures persist in western WA
An atmospheric river dumped heavy rain across western Washington this week, causing major river flooding and prompting evacuations throughout the region.
While most rivers hit peak levels on Thursday, many areas continue to grapple with continued flooding, with lingering road closures and other weather impacts a possibility.
(Eastside Fire & Rescue)
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect as the Skagit River is expected to crest Friday morning. FOX 13 is tracking the latest conditions.
To track school closings and delays in western Washington for Friday, Dec. 12, click here.
Keep reading for live weather updates for Friday, Dec. 12.
5:38 p.m.: Stehekin blocked in by substantial flood damage
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison surveyed the damage in Stehekin, which authorities say was "substantial" due to mud and debris slides caused by flooding.
The sheriff's office says Stehekin Valley Rd is blocked by debris, and several locations around the valley are without power. Stehekin's water treatment facility was destroyed by flooding, as well.
Authorities sent an alert to residents warning that drinking water may become limited, and the sheriff's office has 7–10 days' worth of bottled water on the way.
Authorities say there are isolated groups of people unable to travel up and down the valley, but they are "equipped to stay for a long period of time."
There is no estimated time for when roads and power will be restored.
2:39 p.m.: Ferguson says flooding will delay state budget rollout
Ferguson, at the Tukwila press conference, said that responding to the historic flooding will likely delay the rollout of the state budget.
"The original plan was to release the budget this next week; you know, we're not sure we'll met that, given the events of the past few days," said Ferguson. "The good news is, most of the work had been completed before this crisis arrived, but there are still some decisions that need to be made […] I don't want to say exactly when that will be […] but we'll meet our deadline."
2:07 p.m.: WA leaders expect rivers to rise again next week
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson held a press conference at the Segale Levee in Tukwila, giving an update on flooding in western Washington, where he was joined by King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.
Ferguson announced that the Trump administration approved the disaster declaration, freeing up federal funds for recovery efforts in the coming weeks.
Ferguson said the Skagit and Cedar rivers, in particular, faced historic levels of flooding. Thankfully, he said there has been no loss of life reported. In the meantime, he continues to urge people to follow emergency orders from authorities.
Cantwell took the microphone to thank first responders and local leaders.
"[It's] supposed to be a 100-year event, but it hasn't been 100 years since the last time we had this," said Cantwell, "So the issue is that, places like Sumas — which is a border crossing — to be flooded out, and a border crossing closed. To have Highway 2, which is anywhere from $7–$10 million a year of economic impact be closed […] the good news is that federal support is on the way."
Cantwell hopes the federal funding will help with evacuations and infrastructure work.
"This is historic flooding that has put lives and businesses and critical infrastructure at risk all over our region," said Zahilay. "While there is not yet direct federal assistance available for individuals and businesses, this declaration is a step in the right direction. It allows us to document impacts, coordinate with FEMA, and work toward unlocking additional support for our communities as recovery continues."
Zahilay says King County's flood patrol unit is inspecting flood levels and levees, facing "brutal" weather conditions. During one of the patrols, they found a sinkhole in the Segale Levee, along the Green River in Tukwila. Zahilay also says a wastewater treatment employee became trapped in the facility during the flooding, and stayed there for days to keep critical treatment operations going, until he was finally able to get out Friday morning.
Robert Ezelle, director of Washington State Emergency Management, said all but one of the major rivers crested Thursday night, several of them reaching major flood stage, with one more expected to crest in Eastern Washington on Saturday.
"It's going to take a while for the floodwaters to recede," said Ezelle. "There's a lot of water that fell on the mountains, and it's going to take its time to work through the river drainages. So, they're not going to drop quickly."
Ezelle says they're expecting more weather next week that will raise the rivers again, but only a handful will reach "minor" or "moderate" flood stage. The Skagit River could rise to "major" flood stage again, Ezelle warns.
12:00 p.m.: US-12 closed due to landslide
A landslide has forced the closure of US-12 near the Porter West city limits until further notice.
Photos shared by WSDOT show the slide had uprooted trees and knocked them into the road.
11:32 a.m.: President Trump signs WA's request for emergency declaration
Gov. Bob Ferguson announced that the state's request for emergency declaration was signed by President Trump.
According to a post on X, Ferguson received a call from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
Ferguson is set to have a 2 p.m. news conference.
11:20 a.m.: Modified evacuation order in Burlington
Earlier Friday, the city of Burlington was issued an evacuation order. At about 9:30 a.m., the mayor of Burlington announced that there was a partial lift in the evacuation order.
Anyone whose home or business located west of the north/south running railroad tracks may return home and open business as usual.
11:03 a.m.: Temporary flight restrictions in Skagit County
The city of Sedro-Woolley announced that a Temporary Flight Restriction is in place in Skagit County.
Officials are asking people not to fly their personal drones in affected areas.
10:51 a.m.: Crews restore power to thousands in Chelan County, WA: 4,000 remain in the dark
(Chelan PUD (Viewer photo: Amanda))
At around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Chelan Public Utilities reported 13 total outages in the area, impacting 10,946 people. Crews have made great progress restoring the power overnight. As of Friday morning, there were 11 active outages impacting 3,834 customers.
When will the power turn back on in Leavenworth, WA?
According to Chelan PUD, the estimated restoration time for the power outages in Leavenworth is Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. The estimated restoration time on Thursday was also 6 p.m., so residents may have to remain patient as crews navigate through flooded terrain and downed trees.
The power for Plain, South Wenatchee and Peshastin is estimated to be restored by the afternoon.
10:15a.m.: Leavenworth, WA, resident describes flooding and neighbors helping
Leavenworth, WA, resident describes flooding and neighbors helping
Flooding has taken over Chelan County, Washington. This morning, we speak with Dennis Broughton, who lives near Leavenworth, to gain some perspective on how things are unfolding in his community.
Flooding has taken over parts of Chelan County, Washington. This morning, we spoke with Dennis Broughton, who lives near Leavenworth, to gain some perspective on how things are unfolding in his community.
10:10 a.m.: City of Mount Vernon still monitoring river levels
The Division Street bridge to/from West Mount Vernon has reopened but evacuation orders are still in place.
9:15 a.m.: Fred Meyer, QFC donates $20,000 to support flood relief efforts
On Friday, Fred Meyer and QFC announced a donation of $20,000 and several pallets of emergency supplies to support the Northwest Region American Red Cross in its ongoing response to severe flooding across the state.
"Fred Meyer and QFC are committed to showing up for our communities in moments of crisis," said Tiffany Sanders, Corporate Affairs Manager for Fred Meyer and QFC. "When families are displaced or facing uncertainty, having access to water, food, and a safe place to go is absolutely essential. We’re deeply grateful to the American Red Cross for the critical services they are providing and honored to support their work during this flooding emergency."
"We are deeply grateful to Fred Meyer& QFC for their generous support of the Red Cross's response to the historic flooding in Washington State," commented Northwest Washington Chapter Executive Director, Alex Newman. "Your donation of water, snacks, and $20,000 has provided critical relief to families and communities impacted by this disaster. Hope comes from community partners that give to support our neighbors in need, and your commitment truly makes a difference."
9:08 a.m.: Evacuation orders issued for Burlington: All 10,000 residents to leave immediately
Burlington, WA ordered to evacuate: Here's where residents can shelter
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has ordered the town of Burlington to immediately evacuate as floodwaters reach high levels. We've created a list of places where residents can evacuate.
Gov. Bob Ferguson announced that local officials are telling all Burlington residents to evacuate immediately on Friday morning.
According to the county, Gages Slough is flooding into homes. he National Guard is going door to door to notify residents and help evacuate.
8:45 a.m.: Some evacuation notices lifted
Washington Emergency Management said evacuation notices for some areas have been lifted.
8:15 a.m.: All evacuations have been lifted in Puyallup
As of 7:30 a.m., Puyallup Police announced that all evacuations have been lifted and residents can return to their homes.
However, the Riverwalk Trail will remain closed to assess damages and repairs.
7:45 a.m.: SR 9 remains closed between Lowell Larimer and Brickford Avenue
There is still water over the roadway on State Route 9. WSDOT officials closed it for four miles on Thursday.
7:10 a.m.: 300 National Guard members supporting flood relief
The Washington National Guard said more than 300 members will be on duty Friday to help local responders in flooded areas.
Members were in Skagit County on Thursday filling sandbags and managing traffic control points.
6:57 a.m.: Whatcom County flooding impacts
Amy Cloud with Whatcom County Emergency Management joined Good Day Seattle on Friday morning.
Cloud said the smaller cities in the county that were hit the hardest are the biggest concern.
Flooding impacts in Whatcom County, WA
One of the hardest hit areas from floodwaters is Whatcom County.
6:05 a.m.: Level 3 evacuation orders rescinded in parts of Sumner
The city of Sumner said Rainier View level 3 evacuation orders have been rescinded as the Puyallup River continues to decline. City officials said residents may return home but are advised to remain alert.
5:58 a.m.: River levels dropping, remain at major flood stage
Most river levels decreased overnight into Friday. The following rivers remain at major flood stage: Skagit, Snohomish Cedar and Wenatchee.
Levels overview of WA rivers
Most river levels will continue to decrease overnight into Friday. Skagit River still has the potential to rise through early Friday morning.
5:15 a.m.: Water remains over roadway on SR 162
Both directions of State Route 162 remain closed near Rianier Avenue Northeast to Milepost near Harman Way due to water over the roadway, the Washington State Department of Transportation announced on Friday morning.
The roadway remains closed until further notice.
Friday weather forecast: Lingering flooding, Skagit River levee watch
High river levels continued Thursday evening after heavy showers came to an end. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the Mount Vernon area due to flood risks if local levees fail to hold the Skagit River.
A Flash Flood Watch is posted until late Friday: there is a possibility of dike/levee failure. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Landslides and localized flooding will remain an issue into the end of the week. Most area rivers will likely decrease throughout Friday as the atmospheric river moves out of western Washington.
Skies will be much drier Friday, and there may even be some sunbreaks on Saturday. The next round of showers return Sunday, with heavier rain by the middle of next week.
Thursday flooding: Record river levels and major floods
Several rivers hit record levels on Thursday, including the Snohomish, Cedar and Nooksack rivers, flooding surrounding communities.
Emergency crews conducted multiple water rescues, evacuating families from homes, while also monitoring flooded roadways and fallen trees. Mudslides remained a threat from the atmospheric moisture.
Most rivers crested Thursday morning, while the Skagit River continued to gradually rise. Some areas began to see the floodwaters receding, but others remained stagnant.
Viewer photos of flooding across western Washington
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
New WA laws in 2026 include higher wages, luxury car tax, plastic bag fee hike
Wild Waves Theme Park to shut down in 2026
Charter bus breaks down in Leavenworth, leaving dozens stranded
75-year-old woman attacked in Downtown Seattle, suspect arrested
Washington State Ferries seeks new owners for aging fleet castoffs
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
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.