Worst Floods In Decades Turn Washington Roads Into Rivers As 100,000 Flee Homes

From December 9–11, 2025, an atmospheric river drenched Washington, pushing multiple rivers past major flood stage and isolating communities as highways closed. The Skagit River flood set record crests as the National Weather Service warned of a once-in-a-generation event. This atmospheric river Washington episode forced over 100,000 evacuations, overwhelmed shelters, and prompted Washington National Guard rescues. Mudslides and inundation shut sections of Interstate 90, U.S. Route 2, and U.S. Route 12, while the Sumas Border Crossing and Amtrak’s Seattle–Vancouver service were suspended. Skagit Valley farms were submerged and businesses in Burlington, Mount Vernon, Skykomish, and Leavenworth reported disruptions. Dams on the Skagit, White, and Green Rivers faced strain as operators worked to prevent overtopping during successive atmospheric river pulses.