ENVIRONMENT

Atmospheric River Triggers Historic Flooding Across Washington State

PUBLISHED Dec 11, 2025, 6:27 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Atmospheric River Triggers Historic Flooding Across Washington State

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 91%

Right 9%

Sources: 11

Mount Vernon, Washington — An atmospheric river brought days of torrential rain this week that swelled rivers, overtopped floodplains and prompted statewide emergency declarations. Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency Thursday as tens of thousands received evacuation orders, including about 78,000 in the Skagit River floodplain and roughly 100,000 under Level 3 alerts. National Guard teams conducted door-to-door evacuations in Burlington and other communities as rivers crested, bridges and roads washed out and homes were damaged or destroyed; search, rescue and recovery operations continued into Friday. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Earlier in the week: an atmospheric river moved into the Pacific Northwest, bringing heavy rain.
Wednesday: authorities issued 'go now' evacuation orders for floodplain residents in Skagit County and elsewhere.
Thursday: Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and warned of historic flooding.
Early Friday: National Guard conducted door-to-door evacuations in Burlington and other towns as waters rose.
Friday morning: rivers crested (Skagit above 37 feet in Mount Vernon); bridges, roads and homes reported damaged.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 91%, Right 9%

Who Benefited

Federal and state emergency agencies, relief organizations, and recovery contractors will receive increased funding, deployment resources, and contracted work during response and rebuilding efforts.

Who Impacted

Thousands of residents, farmers and small businesses across the Skagit River floodplain and other low‑lying communities suffered evacuations, property loss, infrastructure damage, and disrupted livelihoods.