Ask Onix
Record flooding threatens US and Canadian communities
Residents in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada are preparing for potentially historic floods as an atmospheric river unleashes relentless rain on already saturated rivers. Authorities in both countries have issued evacuation orders for thousands, warning of life-threatening conditions.
Emergency declarations and evacuations
Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday, estimating that up to 100,000 residents could soon be ordered to evacuate. The declaration highlighted risks of worsening floods due to additional rain and mountain snow, along with severe disruptions to supply chains and transportation networks.
In Skagit County, north of Seattle, officials ordered immediate evacuations for residents in floodplain areas. Robert Ezelle, director of the Washington Military Department's Emergency Management Division, stated that approximately 75,000 people in low-lying regions along the Skagit River would need to leave their homes.
Rescues and rising waters
The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office reported conducting multiple helicopter rescues overnight after residents in Sultan, about 40 miles northeast of Seattle, became trapped in their homes. The Skykomish River surged past 24 feet (7 meters) overnight, nearing record levels, while the Snohomish River flirted with historic highs as water pressed against a local flood wall.
In Pierce County, south of Seattle, swiftwater rescue teams saved three individuals from an RV park in Orting after floodwaters threatened the area. Numerous roads in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties remain closed, with officials warning of additional closures on Thursday.
Canada braces for overflowing rivers
Across the border in British Columbia, evacuation orders are in effect for communities including Tulameen, Eastgate, and parts of Abbotsford. The City of Abbotsford mandated urgent evacuations for 371 properties late Wednesday night, citing expectations that the Nooksack River would overflow its banks early Thursday.
While officials anticipate flooding, they noted that conditions are not expected to match the severity of the 2021 floods, which caused extensive damage and five fatalities. All major highways to Vancouver's Lower Mainland have been shut down, and the Sumas border crossing between the US and Canada is closed in both directions.
Weather outlook and ongoing risks
The atmospheric river-a weather phenomenon where moisture-laden air currents behave like rivers in the sky-has dumped torrential rain across the region. Though the heaviest downpours are expected to ease by Thursday afternoon, rising river levels will persist as water continues to flow downstream.
Forecasters warn that another storm system is likely to arrive on Sunday, raising concerns about prolonged flooding and additional evacuations.
