MOUNT VERNON, Wash – Washington emergency officials warn people to take seriously any warning to evacuate, as potentially historic flooding washes out roads and rivers across western and central Washington.
Governor Bob Ferguson and the emergency management director updated the state during a press conference in Mount Vernon Thursday.
Governor Ferguson said floodwaters have closed 31 highways across the state as of Thursday afternoon, which is double the number that were closed Wednesday night.
That includes Stevens and Blewett Passes and, at times, Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass.
Two weather systems in the last week dropped enough rain to significantly raise river levels. Gov. Ferguson said the state is operating as if it will face catastrophic flooding and the potential for significant loss of life.
Gov. Ferguson called this a statewide emergency, with flooding stretching up and down western Washington and across the Cascades into Yakima County.
“It’s a very, very serious situation,” Gov. Ferguson said. “It is extremely unpredictable.”
Governor Ferguson spoke with FEMA Wednesday, urging the federal government to declare a federal emergency.
He said another meeting is scheduled for Thursday.
When asked about concerns the federal government could deny that request, Gov. Ferguson said the best he can do now make sure the government has accurate information about the danger and the damage.
“We’re dealing with right in front of us right now,” Governor Ferguson said. “My focus when it comes to the federal government is to do everything in my power to persuade them to declare that emergency and give them all of the information they need to do so.”
He said he’s also reached out to Republicans to see if their contacts could help persuade the government to declare the disaster.
“We have a more than compelling situation here,” Gov. Ferguson said. “It is a potentially catastrophic event,” he said, citing the federal government’s own weather service for using that language.
Washington Emergency Management Director Robert Ezelle said people need to be extremely cautious, even if they’ve faced flooding before.
He said they don’t know when they’ll be able to reopen the roads.
They have to wait until water recedes, then get crews in to assess damage and make repairs.
“Please follow the instructions of local first responders,” Ezelle said. “Do what you need to do to keep yourself safe.”
Governor Ferguson activated the National Guard to help. Other emergency responders from across the state have been mobilized to help, including the Spokane Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue team.
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