OLYMPIA, Wash – A brief break in the rain and the cresting of rivers and streams gave emergency responders a chance to make progress Friday on the flooding and related damage in much of western Washington.
Senator Maria Cantwell joined Governor Bob Ferguson along with other emergency response leaders in the state for a news briefing Thursday afternoon.
“It’s not over yet,” Senator Cantwell warned.
Emergency management leaders described two waves of flooding in the past few days, with several rivers reaching maximum flood stage.
“It’s going to take awhile for the flood waters to recede,” said Washington Emergency Management Director Robert Ezelle.
He pointed out another storm system moving in early next week, saying a “handful” of rivers could see flood stage once again.
Ezelle said the the state emergency response center is filled with responders from across the state, supporting local crews.
The danger is still real in some communities.
Thousands of people in Burlington were told to evacuate Friday morning because of runoff from the flooded Skagit River.
Elected leaders thanked the federal government for declaring an emergency, freeing up funding and opportunities for recovery assistance.
The Washington State Department of Transportation said 20 state highways were closed as of Friday afternoon.
“Plan ahead and stay informed,” said Brian Nielsen, Northwest Region Administrator for WSDOT. He reminded people to heed warnings and watch state maps for updates.
Governor Ferguson warned that water will likely not recede completely for several days, stressing roads and infrastructure.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
