A strong atmospheric river continues to slam the Pacific Northwest. Over a foot of rain has been reported across portions of Washington as rounds of rain have pummeled the state. Flood Watches continue across northwest Washington, including Seattle, as a widespread 2-3 inches of additional rain is still likely for coastal Washington. Localized additional amounts of 3-5 inches are possible as downpours continue to soak the region through Thursday.
SPOKANE, Wash. – A powerful atmospheric river slamming the Northwest is fueling flooding over numerous rivers in Washington state as they reach major flood stage, triggering numerous mandatory evacuations, swiftwater rescues and major road closures.
Numerous flood warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Spokane Office as days of heavy rain have caused a number of major rivers to approach and surpass record heights, with more rain forecast.
Over 20 inches of rain have been reported across Washington as rounds of heavy rain have soaked the state since Monday, with numerous rivers cresting at historic levels.
The flooding and additional rain expected prompted Washington State Gov. Bob Ferguson to declare a State of Emergency Wednesday.
Late Wednesday night, Skagit County, one of the northernmost in the state, announced that it was experiencing major flooding and urged all people living within the 100-year flood plain to evacuate to higher ground. The county’s Emergency Operations Center has opened several shelters for the displaced.
Numerous state roads were closed due to flooding and mudslides Thursday morning. Washington State Patrol said there was a deadly crash between a semi-truck and a car on State Route 167 in the Puget Sound region. Officials have not said whether weather directly contributed to the crash.
Part of Interstate 90 remains closed near North Bend in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains due to a major debris slide Wednesday afternoon.
Flooding and debris slides have impacted several key mountain passes. Stevens Pass is currently closed and a section of State Route 906 south of Snoqualmie Pass is closed due to water over the roadway.
A powerful atmospheric river is roaring in the Pacific Northwest and is continuing to slam the region. Major flooding from the Snoqualmie River near Carnation, Washington inundated several areas the powerful atmospheric river is expected to continue to soak the region through Friday.
On top of declaring a statewide emergency amid potentially catastrophic flooding, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson activated the National Guard to respond to requests for help.
Gov. Ferguson said 100 National Guard members would be active and available Wednesday evening, with an additional 200 set to arrive sometime Thursday.
I just signed a statewide emergency declaration in response to the intense flooding in our state this week.
This 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… pic.twitter.com/fIvBI9HZL6
— Governor Bob Ferguson (@GovBobFerguson) December 10, 2025
The NWS has issued Flood Warnings which are in effect through Friday for much of the western half of the state.
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According to the NWS, major flooding is likely between Leavenworth and Wenatchee, as the Wenatchee River exceeds 15 ft for the first time since 2006. The Flood Warning is in place through Friday afternoon.
(FOX Weather)
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Minor flooding in the Entiat Valley is expected as the Entiat River exceeds 7.5 ft. According to the NWS, the Entiat River has not exceeded 8 ft since the 1970s. The Flood Warning in this area is in place through Thursday afternoon.
Emergency response teams are working hard to get people to safety as an atmospheric river causes rivers to reach major flood stage across Washington state. Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Carly Cappetto joins FOX Weather to give an update on operations as water rescues are still ongoing and homes around the Carbon River are submerged.
A Flood Warning is in place near the Stehekin River, flowing at a level of 26.4 ft. According to the NWS, at 24 ft, the Stehekin River causes minor flooding on nearby roads and areas.
The Puyallup River near Orting, entered Major Flood Stage with reports of flooded roads. Evacuation orders have been issued there for surrounding streets which may continue to see flooding through Thursday.
Officials with the Snohomish County Fire District closed a road in Western Washington due to heavy flooding from recent rain.
In the coming days, over a dozen rivers are forecast to reach major flood stage, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Two rivers and locations to keep a close eye on into Friday, which surround more populated areas, include the Cedar River at Renton and the Snohomish River at Snohomish. These are both forecast to crest into Friday near record heights.
Major flood stage in these areas may lead to extensive inundation of structures and roads.
2.26 inches of rain fell in Bellingham, in the northern part of the state on Wednesday, breaking a daily record.
Amtrak Cascades announced a service disruption due to potential flooding. While all trains south of Seattle are running, trains operating between Seattle and Vancouver, Canada are suspended on Dec. 11 and 12 due to the level of the Skagit River.
First responders in Snohomish were already busy courtesy of the first round of rain delivered by the atmospheric river earlier this week.
Using inflatable kayaks, Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue team members aided several passengers stranded in their cars in floodwaters.
(Snohomish Fire and Rescue / FOX Weather)
On Tuesday, Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue crews responded to several emergency calls due to flooding in the area. Using inflatable kayaks, the water rescue team and firefighters aided several passengers stranded in their cars in floodwaters.
The Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue reminded the public to exercise caution while driving, to not drive past road closure signs and turn around if you encounter water over the roadway, and most importantly, to never attempt to drive through water.
