The Skagit River in Western Washington has become the epicenter of a devastating flooding crisis, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency declarations. The unprecedented event, occurring on December 12, 2025, has left residents and authorities scrambling to manage the situation as the Skagit River reaches record-breaking levels .
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, highlighting the severity of the flooding . The Skagit River, a vital waterway that flows through heavily populated communities, has surpassed its flood stage, currently standing at 32.91 feet and expected to crest at 39.10 feet by 10 a.m. on Friday, December 12 .
This flood level is approximately 2 feet over the existing records set in 2021, when the river reached 38.93 feet in Concrete and 33.11 feet in Mount Vernon, causing significant damage and testing the new flood walls installed in the area . Skagit County officials have issued Level 3, "GO NOW" evacuations, urging residents living within the 100-year floodplain to leave immediately .
The situation has escalated dramatically, with hundreds of thousands of residents in Skagit, Snohomish, and King counties ordered to evacuate . Schools and public transit have been shut down, and major highways have been closed due to mudslides and flooding, making travel extremely hazardous . The atmospheric river moving southward has exacerbated the situation, with rivers cresting and more flooding expected in the coming days .
The massive evacuation efforts have been supported by emergency responders and volunteers, who have been diligently working to secure the affected areas. The critical test for the Skagit levees is underway, as the flooding continues to pose a significant threat to low-lying communities . As of 10 a.m. on Friday, the Skagit River is expected to reach a historic high of 39.10 feet, surpassing all previous flood records .
Residents and authorities are bracing for the worst as the crisis continues to unfold. The state has declared multiple flooding evacuations across Washington, underscoring the urgent need for caution and preparedness. With more than 100,000 residents evacuated, the focus is on ensuring the safety of those affected and managing the aftermath of this historic flooding event .
