Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency after an AR5 atmospheric river brought heavy rain, mudslides and washed-out roads across the Pacific Northwest. The declaration enables pursuit of federal aid and the National Guard has been activated, with 100 members staged tonight and 300 expected tomorrow. Rivers across western Washington are rising toward near-record levels, with forecasts of 2–4 inches of rain at low elevations and up to 10 inches in the Cascades. Evacuations, rescues and concerns about landslides and debris flows have already been reported.
Washington Declares Statewide Emergency as AR5 Atmospheric River Sparks Major Flooding
A home amid flooding of the Snoqualmie River in Fall City, Washington.Photograph: David Ryder/Reuters
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday after an AR5 atmospheric river swept across the Pacific Northwest, bringing intense rainfall that triggered mudslides, washed-out roads and submerged vehicles.
"This declaration allows us to seek federal funds to cover the cost of this response, which we anticipate will be significant, and also gives us the flexibility we need to respond quickly to keep Washingtonians safe in a fast-moving situation," Ferguson said. He added that he is requesting an expedited federal emergency declaration and has activated the National Guard to assist with response and rescues.
The governor said the state will stage 100 National Guard members tonight and increase to 300 tomorrow to support emergency operations, search-and-rescue missions and community assistance.
Rivers Rising, Evacuations and Rescues
Heavy rain on watersheds and mountain slopes has pushed rivers toward near-record levels across western Washington, from Mount Rainier north to Mount Baker. Rivers including the Carbon, Cedar, Elwha and Snohomish were forecast to rise rapidly, threatening homes, livestock and infrastructure in valley communities.
Emergency crews rescued five people along Interstate 5 between Seattle and Portland — including a semi-truck driver — after they attempted to drive through flooded roadways. Deputies went door-to-door in some neighborhoods to warn residents of imminent flooding, and authorities evacuated a mobile home park along the Snohomish River.
Storm Strength and Forecast
Meteorologists classified the event as an AR5 — the highest category for atmospheric rivers — and estimated the plume extends roughly 3,500 miles across the Pacific. Samuel Bartlett, a meteorologist at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (Scripps Institution of Oceanography), described it as among the strongest and longest-lasting systems to affect the region since 1959.
Forecasts call for 2–4 inches of rain at lower elevations and up to about 10 inches in higher parts of the Cascades, along with gusts up to ~45 mph and daytime temperatures into the mid-50s °F. Some higher-elevation areas may receive a foot or more of new snow. Since Monday, many locations in the Cascades, Olympics and coastal ranges have already recorded 5–10 inches of rain.
Secondary Hazards and Safety Guidance
Rapid flows increase the risk of landslides, debris flows — especially in recently burned areas — and destructive flooding of low-lying communities. The National Weather Service in Seattle warned:
"Flows are rising very quickly, so travel with caution and NEVER drive into water flowing over the road."
Residents in threatened areas should follow evacuation orders, move to higher ground if advised, avoid driving through flooded roads, and monitor local emergency channels for updates.
Reporting and forecasts referenced statements from Governor Ferguson, the National Weather Service, the Seattle Times and local emergency officials.
