The Pacific Northwest faces unprecedented flooding crises as an atmospheric river system unleashes torrential rains across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Meteorological experts warn of potentially record-breaking flood levels along the Skagit and Snohomish river basins, prompting large-scale evacuations on both sides of the US-Canada border.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency Wednesday, estimating approximately 100,000 residents might require evacuation as rising waters threaten communities. Skagit County, a vital agricultural region north of Seattle, issued immediate evacuation mandates for floodplain residents. Robert Ezelle, Director of Washington’s Emergency Management Division, confirmed evacuation operations targeting 75,000 people from vulnerable low-lying areas.
Transportation networks have suffered severe disruptions, with major highways to Vancouver closed due to flooding, debris flows, and elevated avalanche risks. The emergency declaration highlighted concerns about supply chain interruptions and transportation system impacts throughout the affected regions.
In British Columbia, evacuation orders encompass Tulameen, Eastgate, and several additional communities. Abbotsford authorities directed emergency evacuations for 371 properties late Wednesday as waters continued rising.
The atmospheric river phenomenon—where evaporated moisture forms skyborne currents resembling terrestrial rivers—has dumped exceptional rainfall across the bi-national region. While the most intense precipitation should diminish by Thursday afternoon, hydrological experts note that water will continue feeding into river systems for days.
Meteorological models predict another storm system approaching Sunday, compounding an already critical situation where saturated ground and swollen waterways have created potentially catastrophic flooding conditions.