Torrential rainfall has unleashed major flooding across the U.S. state of Washington, triggering mass evacuations and prompting authorities to declare a statewide emergency.
Governor Bob Ferguson urged residents in threatened areas to leave immediately and comply with local evacuation directives.
Officials estimate that as many as 100,000 people are affected by the orders.
In a post on X, Ferguson warned that the state was facing a “historic situation,” with water levels expected to rise to two feet, or 61 centimetres, above previous record floods.
I understand that many in our state have experienced significant floods in the past. However, we're looking at a historic situation, expecting 2 feet higher than record flood level.
— Governor Bob Ferguson (@GovBobFerguson) December 12, 2025
If you have instructions to evacuate from your local authorities, please evacuate. pic.twitter.com/iyEIL5LZ2X
More than 30 major highways have been shut down as floodwaters continue to rise, cutting off access to several communities.
The governor’s emergency declaration is intended to speed up the mobilisation of funds, equipment, and additional personnel for disaster response.
The United States National Guard has been deployed to support rescue operations, alongside helicopters and boats transporting residents to safety.
Dozens of rivers have burst their banks, inundating towns, homes, and farmland across the region.
Meteorologists say the intense rainfall is being driven by an atmospheric river — a long, narrow band of moisture-laden air capable of delivering heavy, sustained downpours to the Pacific Northwest.
