Historic Flooding Hits Washington: What You Need to Know

Western Washington is facing one of the worst flood events in recent history, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate and causing widespread damage. Heavy rainfall from an atmospheric river has pushed rivers past record levels and stressed levees across the state.

Statewide Overview

• Evacuations: Over 100,000 people statewide were ordered or advised to evacuate.
• Rescues: More than 1,200 flood-related rescues reported.
• Infrastructure: Major highways closed; over 400,000 utility customers lost power.
• Fatalities: At least one confirmed flood-related death.
• Emergency Response:
  • Statewide emergency declared by Governor Bob Ferguson.
  • National Guard mobilized (300+ members) for rescues and sandbagging.
  • Federal emergency designation (FEMA-3629-EM) activated.

County Resources

Whatcom County

• Flood Call Center: 360‑788‑5303 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Dec. 24–25)
• Cleanup Assistance: Whatcom Strong (long-term recovery group) helps with debris removal and home cleanup.
• Shelters: Red Cross shelters closed, but emergency support available at 1-800-733-2767.
• Financial Aid:
  • Disaster Assistance Centers at Nooksack Valley Middle School: Dec. 23 (noon–6 p.m.) and Dec. 27 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.)
  • Disaster Cash Assistance deadline: Jan. 15, 2026
  • EBT grocery replacement deadline: Jan. 8, 2026
• Debris Disposal: Free drop-off until Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24–25); fee-based drop-off at RDS and Republic Services also available.

Skagit County

• Flood Hotline: 360‑416‑2090 (daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
• Cleanup Help: Crisis Cleanup hotline: 844‑965‑1386 (tree removal, roof tarping, mold mitigation, debris removal)
• Shelters:
  • Seasonal winter shelters available (Welcome Home Skagit Resource Center, Mount Vernon)
  • Airbnb temporary stays for flood-impacted residents
  • Coordinated Entry: 1‑800‑223‑8145 (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
• Financial Aid: DSHS disaster cash and food assistance, Community Action of Skagit County, and Red Cross support.
• Debris Disposal:
  • Skagit County Recycling & Transfer Station: daily 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. through Jan. 16 (closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1)
  • Lautenbach Recycling: accepts wood, concrete, asphalt, appliances, and yard debris for free.

King County

• Impacted Areas: Communities along the Green and Cedar Rivers, including Renton, Kent, Tukwila, Auburn, and Enumclaw.
• Flood Info & Alerts: King County Flood Warning Center 206‑296‑8200 (flood.kingcounty.gov)
• Debris Disposal: Free at Enumclaw, Shoreline, and Bow Lake transfer stations (weekends through Jan. 11, 2026).
• Shelters & Support: Call 2‑1‑1 for local shelters or Red Cross 1‑800‑733‑2767.
• Financial Aid: Disaster Cash Assistance through DSHS; apply Dec. 17, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026.

Snohomish County

• Impacted Areas: Communities along the Snohomish, Stillaguamish, and Skykomish Rivers, including Everett, Marysville, and Monroe.
• Flood Info & Alerts: Online maps and county notifications (snohomishcountywa.gov)
• Debris Disposal: Fee waived with voucher through Jan. 18, 2026.
• Shelters & Support: Cold weather shelters and emergency livestock stabling at Evergreen State Fair Park. Call 2‑1‑1 for assistance.
• Financial Aid: DSHS Disaster Cash Assistance; call 877‑501‑2233 or visit a local office.

Cowlitz & Lewis Counties

• Impacted Areas: Communities along the Cowlitz River and local streams, including Randle, Packwood, and Napavine.
• Flood & Recovery Info: Call Cowlitz County Emergency Management at 360‑577‑3099 or Lewis County Emergency Management at 360‑740‑1310.
• Cleanup Assistance: Crisis Cleanup hotline: 844‑965‑1386 (tree removal, debris, mold mitigation).
• Debris Disposal: Local transfer stations may waive fees; contact county solid waste offices for current info.
• Shelter & Support: Call 2‑1‑1 or the Red Cross at 1‑800‑733‑2767.
• Financial Assistance: Disaster Cash Assistance through DSHS; call 877‑501‑2233.

Pierce County

• Impacted Areas: Orting and the Puyallup River floodplain.
• Flood Info & Alerts: Pierce County Emergency Management 253‑798‑KEYS (5397)
• Cleanup & Debris: Crisis Cleanup hotline 844‑965‑1386
• Shelter & Support: 2‑1‑1 or Red Cross 1‑800‑733‑2767
• Financial Assistance: DSHS Disaster Cash Assistance 877‑501‑2233
  

Thurston, Grays Harbor & Wahkiakum Counties

• Impacted Areas: Chehalis River basin, lowlands, and coastal flood-prone zones.
• Flood Info & Alerts:
  • Thurston County Emergency Management 360‑786‑5499
  • Grays Harbor County Emergency Management 360‑533‑8765
  • Wahkiakum County Emergency Management 360‑795‑3011
• Shelters & Support: 2‑1‑1 statewide or Red Cross 1‑800‑733‑2767
• Cleanup & Financial Assistance: Crisis Cleanup 844‑965‑1386; DSHS Disaster Cash Assistance 877‑501‑2233

Rivers & Flood Warnings

• Record or near-record crests reported on Skagit, Snohomish, Stillaguamish, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, and Cowlitz rivers.
• Boil-water notices in some counties due to infrastructure damage.
• Road Closures: Many state and local roads remain closed; avoid flooded areas.

How to Stay Safe

• Sign up for county alerts: Whatcom Unified AlertSense, Skagit emergency notifications.
• Avoid driving through floodwaters even shallow water can be dangerous.
• Follow evacuation orders and check shelter availability before leaving.
• Seek official assistance via county hotlines, Red Cross, and DSHS programs.

Where to Get Help

About the Author

Brian Henderson

Administrator

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