Historic Flooding Devastates Northwest Washington

The worst is yet to come, with rivers predicted to crest at some point today Tuesday Nov. 15th.

Northwest Washington state is experiencing heavy rainfall due to a category 5 atmospheric river. The region has received its monthly average precipitation (6.31 inches) in just two weeks. The entire region is experiencing flooding, but the situation is projected to worsen as river levels continue to rise.

Mount Vernon, WA is home to the majestic Skagit River. Due to the heavy rainfall and rising river levels, Mayor Jill Boudreau declared a state of emergency Monday Nov. 14th.

Image of the river wall in Mount Vernon, WA courtesy of @pavejewelryanddesign

The Skagit River is projected to crest at 37.5 feet Tuesday Nov. 15th, beating the all-time high that was recorded in 1990. The city put up its flood wall in the downtown portion of Mount Vernon, but the flood levels are projected to exceed the height of the river wall.

Horses being evacuated in Bow, WA. Image courtesy of @breakingskagit

Many communities in Skagit County have been effected by flooding including Bow, Sedro-Woolley, and Clear Lake. The town of Hamilton has been ordered to evacuate.