SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Catastrophic flooding is continuing to threaten communities across Washington, and Governor Bob Ferguson says the next few days will be critical.
Speaking in Mount Vernon today, Ferguson said tens of thousands have already evacuated and warned Skagit River levels could rise two feet above previous records.
The National Weather Service calls the threat “catastrophic,” and up to 100,000 people may need to evacuate.
Ferguson declared a state emergency on Wednesday and activated the National Guard. He’s also asking the federal government for an expedited emergency declaration to unlock FEMA resources.
Washington’s entire Congressional delegation is backing that request. In a letter to President Trump, lawmakers warned of widespread damage, closed highways and more than a dozen rivers forecast to flood. The letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and all ten House members.
Gov. Ferguson says the situation is extremely unpredictable, and the next few days are critical.
“If you have instructions to evacuate from your local authorities, please, please, please evacuate,” Gov. Ferguson said.
So far, no deaths have been reported.
