Dozens Rescued as Atmospheric Rivers Push Washington Rivers to Major Flood Stage; Evacuations Possible

Heavy rains driven by atmospheric rivers have pushed multiple Washington rivers to major flood stage, prompting rescue operations, evacuation warnings and a statewide emergency declaration. Officials say at least 18 people were rescued from swollen rivers and more evacuations may be needed as additional heavy rain is forecast.

Rescues and Local Incidents

Emergency crews carried out multiple water rescues on Monday, Dec. 8 and Tuesday, Dec. 9. Yakima-area responders pulled 18 people from areas near the Yakima and Naches Rivers, according to The Yakima Herald. Yakima Fire Capt. Jeremiah Stilley said two campers were stranded when a shoal beside the Yakima River became an island as floodwaters rose; firefighters were flown by helicopter to bring them to safety.

Separately, Snohomish County Fire crews rescued two people who had been camping along the Skykomish River on Dec. 8; one woman was taken to a hospital for evaluation, King5 reported.

Washington State PatrolVehicles stuck from flooding due to rain in Washington state

State Response and Evacuation Warnings

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson urged residents to stay alert and prepare for possible evacuations. In a Dec. 10 post on X, he warned that “many rivers in Western Washington are forecasted to reach major flooding levels” and noted that Skagit County asked residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas to prepare for possible evacuation.

The State Emergency Operations Center has been elevated to a Level 1 activation — the highest level — and the governor signed a statewide emergency declaration. He said state emergency managers are coordinating with local officials and that hundreds of Washington National Guard personnel would be available to assist by Thursday.

Weather Drivers and Forecast

Meteorologists attribute the intense rainfall to atmospheric rivers — "relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere — like rivers in the sky — that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics," per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Forecasts cited by ABC News call for an additional 4 to 8 inches of rain between Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 11, which could worsen flooding in vulnerable areas.

AP Photo/Lindsey WassonRescue workers venture into flooded neighborhood to pick up evacuees after heavy rains

Rivers at Major Flood Stage

At least four rivers in Washington are already at major flood stage. The National Weather Service defines major flood stage as a level where "extensive flooding of structures, main roadways, and other critical infrastructure may occur." Forecasters expect eleven more rivers to reach major flood stage in the coming days.

One dramatic example: the Naselle River in southwest Washington rose from about 5 feet to nearly 20 feet after the heavy rains, ABC News reported.

What Residents Should Do

Residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas should:

• Monitor local alerts and guidance from emergency managers.
• Prepare to evacuate if instructed — move vehicles and important belongings to higher ground.
• Avoid driving through flooded roads and stay away from fast-moving water.

Sources: The Yakima Herald, King5, ABC News, NOAA, National Weather Service, statements from Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson.