Live updates: Western Washington floodwaters recede, but atmospheric rivers expected to return Sunday

• Floodwaters near the Skagit River have begun to recede, but officials say residents should only return home if routes are safe and open and their homes aren't currently flooded.
• Residents in Skagit County, a densely populated agricultural hub an hour north of Seattle, and elsewhere across the state aren't out of the water yet. Additional atmospheric rivers are forecast to hit again Sunday evening through Wednesday.
• Areas affected by heavy rainfall are at an increased risk of landslides and mudslides. Officials have advised visitors of burned areas this weekend to take extra precautions.
• The Trump administration on Friday approved Washington state’s appeal for federal disaster assistance, quelling some anxiety over whether the state would receive federal assistance.
• The city of Mount Vernon's floodwall held back record levels of floodwater early Friday morning.
• View KUOW's developing list of flooding resources here.
• See flood updates from Thursday, Dec. 11 here.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025

11:49 a.m.

Holden Village community closes temporarily, staff evacuated

Holden Village, a wilderness retreat center located in the Cascades above Lake Chelan, is closing temporarily and “plans are currently underway for evacuating the community in the coming days” after heavy rains damaged the only route in and out – a forest service road to the ferry boat dock at Lucerne along the lake. There are currently 53 staff members in the village, but no guests.

In a statement, the nonprofit said a series of mudslides and washouts rendered the road “currently impassable” and announced that reconstruction work would not begin until spring due to safety risks. The closure is slated to last through May 2026 and impacted guests would be notified about changes to their reservations, the nonprofit said.

Holden was a mining village until the mine closed in 1957. The company deeded the village to a Lutheran nonprofit which began offering retreats and other programs in 1962. During summer months, the village and nearby resort town of Stehekin are destinations for hikers as well as visitors by ferry boat. Holden Village staff typically transport guests up the forest road from the ferry dock by bus.

In Stehekin, houses, roads, and the town’s water treatment plant have been left inoperable by the flood, with water flowing over burn scars left by last year’s wildfires, the Seattle Times reports.

—Amy Radil

8:40 a.m.

Floodwaters have receded, but atmospheric rivers to return on Sunday

Some Skagit County residents have been given the green light to return home as floodwaters recede. However, county officials say residents should only do so if the roads home are safe and clear, and if their homes haven't been impacted by flooding.

The National Weather Service has forecast more atmospheric rivers starting Sunday evening that could last through Wednesday. Officials warn that the storms could cause additional flooding and residents should stay vigilant about weather alerts and be prepared to act.

—Liz Brazile

Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

7:15 p.m.

In Burlington, some residents stay in hotels, some return — and some never left

Floodwaters in Burlington were apparently receding a little Friday, as some residents returned home. Others rented rooms nearby to wait things out, but many stayed put despite officials warning them to flee that morning. Target’s parking lot sat empty and most businesses in town seemed closed, but the streets buzzed with cars.

Kids in sweats took pictures of flooded backyards and the swollen Skagit River. At the river’s south fork, a barn with a white roof stood half-submerged, and what appeared to be a barn door or some siding floated by.

In the lobby of a Days Inn a few minutes outside Burlington, Yolanda and Pedro Cortez were preparing for their second night in a hotel. Pedro Cortez has lived in Skagit County since 1966, working on farms and in flower fields, and said even the flooding in 1990 wasn’t this bad. Friends and family are helping them pay for the hotel.

At 10 p.m. or so on Thursday night, police knocked on the door of their home and told them they didn’t even have an hour to get out, the floodwaters were rising so fast. With the roads blocked, the couple hasn't been able to return. Yolanda Cortez was fretting about the birth certificates and important paperwork she’d left inside.

“I wish I was at home,” Yolanda Cortez said. “It’s affecting us kind of bad. Me, especially.” She looked at her husband of 43 years. “Him? I'm pretty sure it's also affecting him, but he's very mellowed, you know, with his affections.”

Mark Njos lives with his brother right next to Gages Slough, which bubbled overnight and sent water into their ground-floor basement. Later in the morning, Njos smoked a cigarette and sipped a Busch Light as he watched the water level recede.

Njos’ brother left to stay with his girlfriend in Bellingham because she was worried about him, but Njos stayed behind, alone except for his brother’s fish in a tank in the basement. “He was like, ‘Can you just turn the power back on whenever you can?’ …so that the fish don't die, because the fish need heat,” Njos said. “And I'm like, I will when it's safe.”

A few beers in, a few minutes before noon, Njos said he thinks the water did enough damage to require “a full tear-down” in the basement, but he was sanguine.

“I’m kind of hoping it gets rid of the mole problem, because the moles have just torn this yard apart,” Njos said. “I mean, there's got to be a silver lining to something.”

Down the street — about 500 feet from where Njos was sitting with his beer — the water was much higher. Joyclyn and Kenneth Ahlm stood by the house where they stay with their kids on the bottom level, which was mostly submerged. A friend who’d waded into the water and looked in their windows assessed the damage.

“He goes, ‘All your couches are floating. All your stuff is just floating.’ He goes, ‘Your bananas are floating,’” Joyclyn Ahlm said. “And I said, ‘Oh, well, God, if we lost our bananas, we lost everything.’”

But the couple was particularly worried about a chest of family pictures they’d placed on a couch.

“Hopefully they maybe survived,” Joyclyn Ahlm said. “I don't know.”

—Scott Greenstone

4:39 p.m.

Forest Service warns of increased risk of landslides in burned areas

The U.S. Forest Service is warning people to be extra cautious this weekend if recreating in burned areas, where there’s an increased risk of mudslides, flash floods, and debris flow.

The agency also advises visitors of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to be mindful of the presence of loose volcanic soil, which could make the area vulnerable to landslides. Visitors are encouraged to avoid driving on roads that are underwater or have been impacted by washouts.

Forest managers say visitors should come prepared with winter supplies for themselves and their vehicles, as well as the 10 essentials:

• Food
• Water
• First aid supplies
• Fire starters
• Insulation
• Navigation systems
• Repair tools
• Illumination devices
• Emergency shelter
• Sun protection

— Liz Brazile

4:35 p.m.

Could be ‘days, in some cases weeks’ before people can go home

Washington state leaders and emergency responders are starting to assess the effects of historic flooding on the state’s infrastructure, economy, and emergency response systems.

Several highways across Western Washington remain closed due to flooding, affecting communities that play a vital role in the state’s economy, Sen. Maria Cantwell said during a press conference at the Segale Levee in Tukwila Friday.

“We have had 16 counties around the state see unbelievable impacts from what is supposed to be a 100-year event, but it hasn’t been 100 years since the last time we had this,” Cantwell said.

Border towns like Sumas in Whatcom County flooded, and parts of Highway 12 near Naches have been washed out, which could have an economic impact of up to $10 million, Cantwell said. She noted the federal support offered by the Trump administration on Friday in its approval of the state’s appeal for federal disaster assistance is “good news.”

“I hope they do focus on these infrastructure issues, the ones that cost us so much to our economy, and allow people to get free to flow back and forth across our state,” she said.

When families will be able to return to their homes remains unclear. Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general of the Washington National Guard, said it could be “days, in some cases weeks” before families in Skagit County can go home.

“If you're in an area you've been displaced, you have my deepest sympathies and empathy going into this holiday season, but this is a long haul,” Welsh said.

— Noel Gasca

2:47 p.m.

CA sends fire and rescue resources to WA

California has deployed fire and rescue resources and around 150 personnel to Washington to assist with flood relief efforts.

“Deploying California’s Urban Search and Rescue teams reflects our shared commitment to protect lives, strengthen regional resilience, and stand with states that need our help,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

Among the personnel sent to the Evergreen State are a swift-water rescue team, three Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, and one incident support team, according to a news release from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

California is also sending two swift-water rescue boats.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on X expressed his gratitude to Newsom and the emergency response teams “for stepping up to help in a critical moment.”

— Sami West

1:56 p.m.

How WA property owners can get financial relief after the flood

More than 100,000 Washington residents have been advised to evacuate their homes in the wake of catastrophic flooding across the region. That’s about double the number of Washington homes and businesses that are covered by flood insurance, said Aaron VanTuyl from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

“ Flood damage, by and large, is not covered by your typical homeowners insurance policy,” he said.

Instead, property owners would need to have purchased a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program, run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or on the private market, before the flooding event.

“ I think there's the tendency for people to think if they get flooded, maybe it'll only be once, and so is insurance really that important?” VanTuyl said. “But we're seeing more and more bigger events, and so yeah, it is important. I feel terrible for people out there right now that don't have it, that need it.”

There are some opportunities for relief for residents not covered by flood insurance.

FEMA just declared Washington’s flooding a state of emergency. That unlocks funding for its Individuals and Households Program, VanTuyl said. Eligible property owners can now apply for funds to make essential repairs and cover a temporary place to stay.

VanTuyl also said the insurance commissioner’s office plans to send experts to local disaster recovery centers in areas affected by flooding. They will be available to walk property owners through their insurance policies and discuss options for getting financial relief.

— Monica Nickelsburg

1 p.m.

Severe mudslides strike remote town of Stehekin

Heavy rains and burn scars from previous wildfires have caused severe mudslides in the remote community of Stehekin in Chelan County, blocking the local road and destroying its wastewater treatment facility.

Stehekin is located at the north end of Lake Chelan, about 95 miles northeast from Seattle, and is part of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. It has no road access year-round and is primarily reached by boat. It’s a popular tourist spot, attracting people who get there by hiking, floatplanes, and horseback. The community has fewer than 100 residents.

According to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, mudslides have blocked the main road through town, as well as access through the surrounding valley. Locals have sufficient supplies for now, but the sheriff’s office will be sending drinking water in an upcoming supply run via boat. Repair equipment is being brought in by barge Friday.

The mudslides are the result of heavy rains colliding with large portions of land that were burned by wildfires during recent summers.

According to the Cashmere Valley Record, Chelan County was battered by heavy storm winds and rain Wednesday evening, knocking out power, cell service, and other infrastructure.

— Dyer Oxley

11:41 a.m.

Despite record flooding on the Cedar River, Seattle’s drinking water is safe

Seattle’s drinking water is safe despite record flooding on the Cedar River, the city’s main water supply.

“Lake Youngs has a reservoir used solely for water supply if water quality in the Cedar River is not suitable,” said Rebekah Anderson, a spokesperson for Seattle Public Utilities.

The Cedar River provides about 70% of the water for 1.6 million people in the greater Seattle area, according to the utility. The other source, the South Fork Tolt River, has also overflowed its banks this week. Although flooding can hurt water quality in some regional water systems by making the water more difficult to treat, or by damaging facilities like water treatment plants, “fortunately, neither of those issues are impacting SPU’s water supply,” Anderson said, “as we pay a lot of attention to emergencies and plan years ahead for future contingencies.”

In the Maple Valley area, the Cedar River Water and Sewer District issued a 48-hour precautionary boil water advisory on Thursday for residents living east of the river and south of Highway 18 after a water main that crosses the river broke.

“Water service has been restored; however, the District is taking all necessary precautions to ensure that the water remains safe for consumption,” the Water and Sewer District said on its website. Residents within the precautionary zone have been told to boil their water through Saturday for one minute before drinking or cooking with it while the agency tests water quality.

— Ann Dornfeld

11:02 a.m.

State’s request for emergency assistance granted

Washington state’s request for emergency assistance has been granted by the Trump administration.

Gov. Bob Ferguson said Friday morning he’d received a phone call from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to say that the president signed off on the request. More details are expected at 2 p.m.

Whether President Donald Trump would approve the state’s request was an open question after his administration denied a request for major-disaster relief aid in June. That request came after a bomb cyclone struck Western Washington in November 2024. The administration did not offer any explanation for that denial.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been monitoring flooding in the region this week, according to a FEMA spokesperson, and liaisons have been embedded at the state’s Emergency Operations Center. FEMA has also promised “additional lifesaving response teams” if requested by the state.

— Katie Campbell

8:57 a.m.

Lummi Nation declares state of emergency

The Lummi Nation tribe has declared a state of emergency amid historic flooding in Whatcom County and across the state.

As of Thursday afternoon, overflow from the Nooksack River had cut off three of the roadways providing exits from the Lummi Reservation near Bellingham. Floodwaters have surpassed the river’s east berm at points on Marine Drive and Slater Road, one of the main routes in and out of the community, the tribe said on Thursday.

“Our highest priority is ensuring the safety and health of our tribal members, especially elders and youth,” Lummi Chairman Anthony Hillaire said in a statement. “This state of emergency authorizes us to coordinate with Whatcom County, Washington state and federal partners for assistance. We’re working with all authorities right now to care for our people.”

— Sami West

8:38 a.m.

Leavenworth cancels Christmastown festival, holiday light display

Leavenworth’s Village of Lights display for the Christmastown festival will not be illuminated this weekend due to “unprecedented storm damage.”

In a Thursday news release, the city said the power grid is "experiencing a wide-scale outage,” impacting more than 5,000 Chelan County residents, including many within Leavenworth city limits. Residential neighborhoods have also seen “extensive damage,” including downed trees and power lines.

“Restoring power to critical medical resources and residents and not overtaxing the system when it comes back online is a primary concern,” the city wrote.

With continued flooding concerns and recovery efforts still ongoing, city officials said they don’t expect Christmastown events or the lights in Front Street Park to return in full force until next weekend.

“Leavenworth is known worldwide for its Willkommen spirit. Right now, we are prioritizing the safety and recovery of our community,” Mayor Carl Florea said in a statement. “We need some time to clear the debris and restore power to our homes and essential services. We deeply appreciate the support and understanding from our friends near and far. The lights and the welcome will be here through February, and we look forward to having you when we can do so.”

— Sami West

7:56 a.m.

City of Burlington under evacuation advisory

The entire city of Burlington has been advised to evacuate immediately, as Gages Slough is flooding into homes.

In a message to residents at 6 a.m. Friday, city officials said the National Guard has been called in to help and members are going door to door to notify residents of the evacuation.

Bayview Elementary School at 15241 Josh Wilson Road has been added as an emergency shelter. Shelters are also available at Bethany Covenant Church in Mount Vernon, Concrete High School, and Family Promise at Central United Methodist Church in Sedro-Woolley.

— Sami West

7:30 a.m.

Skagit River finally crests

The city of Mount Vernon is breathing a sigh of relief Friday morning, now that the Skagit River has crested there.

The river hit a record-breaking peak of 37.73 feet at 12:15 a.m., according to the National Water Prediction Service. The previous record was 37.4 feet, set in 1990.

The Skagit has been receding since then, but remains high at 36.77 feet as of 6:15 a.m. (The major flooding stage starts at 32 feet.)

Mount Vernon's flood wall along the river has held, despite the record-breaking water levels. The National Weather Service said Friday morning that, aside from some small leaks and pools of water next to the wall, there is no serious flooding.

But there's still a lot of water pressing against it — and Skagit County remains under a flash flood watch through late Friday night. Many low flood plains still have a lot of standing water, there are still a lot of people hunkered down at emergency shelters, some roads remain closed, and large trees have come down.

But, overall, the town is feeling much better this morning.

— Casey Martin & Angela King

5:43 p.m., 12/11

The American Dream ‘wiped out in a day’

Residents in River Park Estate, an RV park in Sumner in northern Pierce County, were among the tens of thousands of people who were advised to evacuate.

Rebecca Roe’s husband, Gary, is a manager at the property, and together, they helped people move out of the area when they learned about the flood alerts. They were able to help get a few people out as the water reached their doorsteps. Roe said everyone is safe – that’s what matters.

The RV park has flooded and wiped residents out before. “It's scary to know that you're going to lose all your stuff,” Roe said. “You get to a certain age and you just find a little piece of property. You say, ‘I'm going to live the American dream.’ Then it’s wiped out in a day.”

Roe said it’s a dream she’s talked about her entire life. She wanted a garden and fish on the river.

She and her husband are still at the RV park, though. They stayed an extra night to make sure looters would not disturb property that survives the flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Puyallup River and are asking residents to get to higher ground immediately.

Rebecca told KUOW Thursday afternoon that water was inching up their driveway.

“If it goes up to the third step, we're out of here,” Roe said.

They plan on evacuating through their backdoor with their two dogs, Snickers and Marco, then canoeing to get to their car parked on higher ground.

Rebecca was still worried about her neighbors who have moved their RVs. She said they’re struggling to find proper hookups and water.

— Natalie Newcomb

4:38 p.m., 12/11

'The worst that I've seen it.' Cedar River floods homes, businesses in southeast King County

Flooding from the Cedar River is forcing people from their homes in parts of southeast King County.

Gina Simmonds fled her Maple Valley home near the river yesterday. On Thursday, her son-in-law waded through the floodwaters engulfing her house to rescue family photographs.

“I put them up high, but I never expected the water in the house to get so high," Simmonds said. "So, then I was afraid the furniture they were on would start floating, and we'd lose them, too."

Simmonds said the house has had only minor flooding twice in the 20 years since her partner bought the house, so once it was paid off, they decided to drop their $8,000-a-year flood insurance. She'd never imagined anything like this, she said. "This is the worst I've seen it – by far," she said. “Originally it was supposed to peak at 2 a.m. And then it was supposed to peak at 4 a.m. Then it was supposed to peak at 10 a.m. I just looked, and it’s still rising.”

Simmonds was able to evacuate their cat and their rabbit, and is now hoping their chickens are able to roost high enough in their flooded coop to survive.

"There's no way to get to them right now," she said.

— Ann Dornfeld

2:45 p.m., 12/11

Snohomish River flow rate through Everett lower than predicted

Everett officials are continuing to monitor the part of the Snohomish River that flows through the city, but the risk for flooding is now lower.

Current forecasts now show the Snohomish River reached its peak around noon Thursday, and it’s expected to remain at that level through late Friday morning, according to a city news release.

But Everett may not be in the clear yet. City crews are specifically monitoring Riverfront Boulevard, located in the Port Gardner and Lowell neighborhoods just east of I-5. Current predictions show water levels could reach the road surface at the low point, just north of the bridge into the Overlook at Riverfront development. If water does reach the bridge, city officials may need to close Riverfront Boulevard, which would temporarily limit access to homes in that development. If that happens, the city says those impacted will be notified and referred to a nearby shelter.

As of 1:57 p.m. Thursday, no evacuation advisories are in place for the City of Everett. But the city said “conditions can change quickly.”

Lowell River Road at Rotary Park, the Everett Animal Shelter, Rotary Park, and Langus Park are currently closed.

City residents can report water, sewer, or other storm issues through the 24-hour dispatch at 425-27-8821.

— Sami West

1:06 p.m., 12/11

Skagit County officials reiterate calls to evacuate

Emergency responders are urging Washingtonians to take extra precautions and listen to evacuation notices as Western Washington could see historic flooding on the Skagit River and in surrounding areas.

The National Weather Service forecasts the Skagit River will crest at over 39 feet by 10 a.m. Friday morning. More than 75,000 people living in Skagit County have been affected by evacuation notices so far.

Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki made a direct plea to residents.

“You are responsible for your first level of safety,” Janicki said. “Please be preemptive, please get out if you are in that defined flood zone.”

Janicki noted that many businesses in Burlington and Mount Vernon have closed, as well as schools. But some are still making risky decisions.

“People are walking their dogs on top of these dikes that may fail,” Janicki said. “We’re hoping they hold, but there’s seepage in some spots.”

Julie de Losada, chief of emergency management for Skagit County, said after Mount Vernon experienced flooding in 2021, the city’s dike and drainage systems were impacted. There have been repairs from the Army Corps since that time, according to de Losada, but Friday’s forecasted crest will be the true test of their vulnerabilities.

“We don’t know yet until the water starts rising more and pushing against that dike system more,” de Losada said.

Speaking at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon on Thursday afternoon, Gov. Bob Ferguson said he spoke with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday afternoon, and emphasized the “tremendous need” the state has for assistance from the federal government.

“We tried to be as persuasive as we could to our partners in the federal government that they need to approve that emergency right away,” Ferguson said.

The governor said he’ll join another call with FEMA later on Thursday.

There have been no reported deaths due to the flooding so far.

— Noel Gasca