Floodwaters began to subside Friday in parts of Washington, but officials warned another atmospheric river could bring renewed flooding next week. The Skagit River hit record levels at Mount Vernon and a full evacuation warning was issued for Burlington (11,000 residents), with roughly 1,000 people fleeing overnight. Authorities asked about 100,000 people statewide to evacuate at various points; storms dropped up to 16 inches of rain in the Cascades. An expedited federal emergency declaration was approved to unlock FEMA assistance for housing and infrastructure repairs.
Washington State Assesses Widespread Flood Damage as Another Atmospheric River Looms
A drone view shows a flooded neighborhood in Burlington, Wash., on Friday as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest. (David Ryder / Reuters)
Floodwaters began to recede on Friday across parts of Washington state after an historic series of storms, but officials warned the crisis is far from over: another atmospheric river is expected next week that could bring renewed flooding to already-strained river systems and communities.
Current Situation
Robert Ezelle, director of Washington State’s Emergency Management Division, cautioned that "this situation is not over," noting several river systems may see another wave of moderate flooding. For many residents the day offered a temporary reprieve, but authorities remained on alert as rivers and streams that were already high could rise again.
Flooding on Francis Road in Skagit County, Wash. on Friday. (Evan Bush / NBC News)
Skagit River, Mount Vernon And Burlington
Record flows were observed on the Skagit River at Mount Vernon (population ~35,000). A system of dikes and a downtown floodwall held, averting a larger catastrophe, though officials warned the Skagit could return to major flood stage next week.
In nearby Burlington, the river overtopped a slough off the Skagit. Officials issued an evacuation warning early Friday for all 11,000 Burlington residents after some neighborhoods and roadways flooded; roughly 1,000 people fled overnight from the most urgent zones, officials said.
Rescue crews evacuate a person and two dogs from flooding in Burlington, Wash. on Friday. (David Ryder / REUTERS)
Scale Of The Event And Impact
Statewide, officials asked roughly 100,000 people to evacuate at various points this week, and emergency teams carried out dozens of rescues. The storms set local records and caused widespread damage to roads, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure.
The atmospheric rivers dumped up to about 16 inches of rain in parts of the Cascade Mountains over roughly three days, according to the National Weather Service. Saturated soils and already-high river levels sent rapid runoff into lowland communities; the Skagit River system is one of the largest on the U.S. West Coast, and at Mount Vernon the river reached its highest recorded level.
The Snohomish River is seen spilling beyond its banks on Friday in Snohomish, Wash. (Natalie Behring / Getty Images)
"There has been no reported loss of life at this time," Gov. Bob Ferguson said, adding that the situation remains "very dynamic."
Federal Response And Recovery Outlook
President Donald Trump approved Washington’s request for an expedited emergency declaration, enabling individuals to apply for FEMA assistance for temporary housing and home repairs and allowing state and local governments to seek federal funds to clear debris and repair critical infrastructure.
Lawmakers and local officials cautioned that long-term recovery could be slow, particularly in a state already struggling with housing shortages: following major flooding in 2021, some displaced residents remained out of their homes for months.
Forecast And What Comes Next
Forecasters say the next atmospheric river is likely to arrive Sunday night. Jeff Michalski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle, said a few dry days should allow most rivers to fall before flows begin to rise again on Tuesday as runoff moves downstream. Lowland western Washington could see roughly an inch of rain from the next system while mountain areas may receive up to three inches during the pulse; combined effects could prolong or renew flooding on some rivers into midweek.
Officials urged continued vigilance: "This is not just a one- or two-day crisis," Gov. Ferguson warned. "These water levels have been historic and they’re going to remain very high for an extended period of time."
This article was originally reported on NBCNews.com.
