Washington state is facing widespread devastation after more than a week of relentless storms and record flooding. Governor Bob Ferguson said Tuesday the full extent of the damage remains unclear, with more rain, mudslides and power outages expected in the days ahead.
Weather systems sweeping across the Pacific have dumped nearly two feet of rain in parts of the Cascade Mountains, swelling rivers far beyond their banks. The flooding has triggered more than 600 rescues across 10 counties and left entire communities inundated.
As of Tuesday, one person had died after driving past warning signs into floodwaters. Key highways have been buried or washed out, and saturated levees have failed. Ferguson warned that State Route 2, a vital link between western Washington and the Stevens Pass ski area and Leavenworth, could remain closed for months. “We’re in for the long haul. If you get an evacuation order, follow it,” he urged.
Authorities say crews will not be able to fully assess the damage until waters recede and landslide risks ease. The state and counties have released millions of dollars in emergency aid for housing, food and essentials, with federal assistance expected to follow.
First responders have carried out at least 629 rescues and 572 assisted evacuations, while as many as 100,000 residents have been under evacuation orders, particularly in the Skagit River flood plain north of Seattle.
The National Weather Service warned that elevated river levels and flood risks could persist until late this month, with more storms bringing rain, heavy mountain snow and high winds.
In Pacific, south of Seattle, residents were ordered to evacuate early Tuesday after a levee breach sent water into homes. Crews evacuated about 100 people, pulling some from apartment windows as floodwaters rose.
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