Washington ‘catastrophic’ flooding prompts evacuation, road closures and state of emergency: See pics

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By Shweta Kukreti

Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

Communities in Western Washington are contending with increasing river levels, sudden flooding, and road closures as Snoqualmie River continues to swell.

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

A severe atmospheric river event impacting the Pacific Northwest has redirected its attention to western Washington, resulting in "historic" and possibly record-setting flooding that may necessitate the evacuation of as many as 75,000 individuals.(REUTERS)

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

Officials have mandated evacuations for the complete 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. Approximately 100,000 residents of Washington may receive evacuation orders as floodwaters persist in rising, according to a statement from Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office on Wednesday afternoon.(REUTERS)

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

A drone view shows a vehicle stranded in an area flooded by the Wallace River, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Gold Bar, Washington, U.S., December 10, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder(REUTERS)

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

Brandon Phasith carries belongings while evacuating amidst rising floodwater, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Sultan, Washington, U.S., December 10, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder(REUTERS)

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

Drew Glastetter walks through floodwaters in an area flooded by the Snoqualmie River, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Fall City, Washington, U.S., December 9, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder(REUTERS)

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

Meteorologists have issued a warning that the Skagit River may rise between 3 to 5 feet above its previous record levels, creating a significant risk for towns such as Mount Vernon, where residents have queued for sandbags at distribution centers. (REUTERS)

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

Deputy Sheriff Kalani Apilado helps Brandon Phasith carry belongings while evacuating amidst rising floodwater, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Sultan, Washington, U.S., December 10, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder(REUTERS)

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan stated that the community is getting ready for a "worst-case scenario" as the river is anticipated to reach a height of 41 feet, while upstream in Concrete, the level could peak at 47 feet, both of which are considerably higher than past records. (REUTERS)

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

A drone view shows a vehicle stranded in an area flooded by the Wallace River, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Gold Bar, Washington, U.S., December 10, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder(REUTERS)

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

Cities such as Snohomish, Auburn, and Chehalis have proclaimed local emergencies, set up temporary flood barriers, and conducted rescues, which included a family of six who were trapped in four feet of water. (REUTERS)

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Published on Dec 11, 2025 06:40 pm IST

Several members of the Washington National Guard are being dispatched to support communities preparing for further river surges.(REUTERS)

Home / Photos / Washington ‘catastrophic’ flooding prompts evacuation, road closures and state of emergency: See pics

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti

Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities. Read Less ...Read More

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Washington ‘catastrophic’ flooding prompts evacuation, road closures and state of emergency: See pics

Communities in Western Washington are contending with increasing river levels, sudden flooding, and road closures as Snoqualmie River continues to swell.

A severe atmospheric river event impacting the Pacific Northwest has redirected its attention to western Washington, resulting in "historic" and possibly record-setting flooding that may necessitate the evacuation of as many as 75,000 individuals.(REUTERS)

A drone view shows a vehicle stranded in an area flooded by the Wallace River, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Gold Bar, Washington, U.S., December 10, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder(REUTERS)

Brandon Phasith carries belongings while evacuating amidst rising floodwater, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Sultan, Washington, U.S., December 10, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder(REUTERS)

Drew Glastetter walks through floodwaters in an area flooded by the Snoqualmie River, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Fall City, Washington, U.S., December 9, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder(REUTERS)

Meteorologists have issued a warning that the Skagit River may rise between 3 to 5 feet above its previous record levels, creating a significant risk for towns such as Mount Vernon, where residents have queued for sandbags at distribution centers. (REUTERS)

Deputy Sheriff Kalani Apilado helps Brandon Phasith carry belongings while evacuating amidst rising floodwater, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Sultan, Washington, U.S., December 10, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder(REUTERS)

Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan stated that the community is getting ready for a "worst-case scenario" as the river is anticipated to reach a height of 41 feet, while upstream in Concrete, the level could peak at 47 feet, both of which are considerably higher than past records. (REUTERS)

A drone view shows a vehicle stranded in an area flooded by the Wallace River, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Gold Bar, Washington, U.S., December 10, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder(REUTERS)

Cities such as Snohomish, Auburn, and Chehalis have proclaimed local emergencies, set up temporary flood barriers, and conducted rescues, which included a family of six who were trapped in four feet of water. (REUTERS)

Several members of the Washington National Guard are being dispatched to support communities preparing for further river surges.(REUTERS)

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