By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- Washington state — Days of torrential rain and back-to-back storms unleashed record flooding, mudslides and widespread power outages; officials called the damage “profound” but still being assessed. Police1
- Rescues & evacuations: At least 629 water rescues and 572 assisted evacuations; as many as 100,000 peoplewere under evacuation orders at points during the event. Police1
- Fatality: One person died after driving past flood warnings near Snohomish; authorities urge residents not to enter floodwaters. Police1
- Infrastructure: Major routes suffered damage and slides; U.S. 2 may require months to fully reopen, with continuing slide/levee issues and ongoing outages across the region. Police1+1
- Emergency status: A federal emergency was approved Dec. 12 to support statewide response and relief. FEMA
SEATTLE — A week of heavy rains and successive storms driven by atmospheric rivers forced mass rescues and evacuations across Washington state, with officials warning Tuesday that the toll on communities and infrastructure is “profound” and won’t be fully known until waters recede and hillside stability improves. Police1
Governor Bob Ferguson said emergency crews have conducted at least 629 water rescues and 572 assisted evacuationsacross ten counties since the flooding began, and that up to 100,000 residents have faced evacuation orders at various points, particularly along rivers in Skagit, Snohomish, King and Pierce counties. “We’re in for the long haul,” he said, urging people to follow evacuation orders and avoid driving into floodwaters. Police1
Authorities reported one death after a driver bypassed road-closure signs near Snohomish; responders found the vehicle submerged in roughly six feet of water. Elsewhere, saturated levees and swollen rivers triggered repeat evacuations, including a levee breach overnight in Pacific that pushed crews to pull residents from first-floor windows and relocate hundreds. Police1
The storms cut electricity to large swaths of the Northwest and battered an already fragile transportation network. State officials said major highways were closed or damaged by slides and washouts, with U.S. Highway 2 expected to require months of repairs; additional slide activity and outages are possible as more wind and rain arrive. Police1+1
The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a federal emergency declaration (FEMA-3629-EM) on Dec. 12, unlocking assistance for lifesaving measures and public safety operations as conditions continue. Forecasts call for elevated river levels and lingering flood/landslide risks into late December. FEMA
Officials urged residents to heed closures, avoid downed lines, and report emerging hazards. Damage assessments and long-term recovery planning will accelerate once waters and slide dangers subside. Police1