Severe flooding driven by an atmospheric river and torrential rainfall has caused water levels in western Washington to surge, submerging homes and forcing dramatic water rescues and evacuations in multiple communities.

Rivers including the Skagit, Snohomish, Skykomish and Snoqualmie have risen to major flood stages, prompting officials to issue ‘go now’ evacuation orders as residential streets, farmlands and infrastructure were inundated.

Helicopters and emergency crews have rescued families stranded on rooftops in towns such as Sumas and Mount Vernon, where water has reached heights of more than fifteen feet in some neighbourhoods.

Tens of thousands of residents were ordered to flee low-lying areas as floodwaters continued to spread and unpredictable conditions persisted across the region.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The governor of Washington, Bob Ferguson, declared a statewide emergency, activating the National Guard and requesting federal disaster assistance to bolster response efforts.

In response to the escalating crisis, more than one hundred first responders from California, including urban search and rescue teams and swift water rescue units, have been dispatched to support local authorities.

Major highways such as U.S. Route 2 and Interstate 90 have been closed due to flooding and mudslides, while power outages have disrupted thousands of households.

With additional storm systems forecast to bring further rain, authorities have warned that rivers may continue to rise, increasing the threat of levee failures and further property damage.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Emergency management officials emphasise that the situation remains extremely fluid, urging residents to heed evacuation orders and stay informed through official channels.

Many local relief organisations are opening shelters and coordinating food and medical support for displaced families.

The scale and intensity of the flooding have drawn comparisons with some of the region’s worst historical flood events as climate scientists note that atmospheric rivers — long corridors of concentrated moisture — are becoming more potent.

As communities grapple with ongoing flooding, officials are focused on stabilising levee systems, ensuring safe evacuations and preparing for possible further rain and rising waters later in the week.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}