Historic Flooding Swamps Western Washington To Trap Families On Rooftops, Damage Homes

Western Washington has been hit by days of relentless torrential rainfall, triggering historic flooding that trapped families on rooftops, swept over bridges and caused widespread damage to homes.

Washington remains under a state of emergency with evacuation orders issued for tens of thousands of residents, according to KATU. Gov. Bob Ferguson urged all affected individuals Thursday to immediately comply with instructions to evacuate. (RELATED: Geminid Meteor Shower: Here’s What To Know And How You Can See Highly Anticipated Event)

“I understand that many in our state have experienced significant floods in the past,” said Gov. Ferguson on Twitter. “However, we’re looking at a historic situation.”

Entire towns are underwater as widespread, historic flooding grips Washington, caused by days of heavy rain that have pushed rivers to levels never seen before. pic.twitter.com/7EwRcyotCe

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 12, 2025

“Potential historic” floods hit the US state of Washington, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Some residents were trapped as they watch water levels rise around their homes. pic.twitter.com/DU7qaEtyw9

— DW News (@dwnews) December 12, 2025

Excessive rainfall caused floods in Sumas, Washington on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/nQd3cnQg8T

— NTD News (@NTDNews) December 12, 2025

By Friday morning, every river in the region had crested, yet many remain far above flood stage and will take several days to recede.

Floodwater poured off the mountainsides and onto Washington roadways as historic rainfall from multiple atmospheric rivers created hazardous conditions across the Pacific Northwest. pic.twitter.com/K4rNFJmPLQ

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 12, 2025

Cedar River in Renton is rising fast — nearing major flood stage.
Riverfront neighborhoods, parks, and even the Renton airport are at risk if water keeps climbing.
Stay alert and avoid flooded roads.
More updates only on @weatherchannel.#WAFlooding #CedarRiver pic.twitter.com/MFDqJar14s

— Justin Michaels (@JMichaelsNews) December 11, 2025

🌊🚗DRAMATIC RESCUE: Watch as first responders in Washington rescue a man trapped on the roof of his SUV, amid historic flooding. https://t.co/HUFnyruEHy pic.twitter.com/zD2CrwrbMZ

— FOX Weather (@foxweather) December 12, 2025

Several rivers shattered all-time record highs, including the Cedar, Skagit and Snohomish. The Skykomish, Snoqualmie and Stillaguamish also surged to near-record levels.

Historic flooding continues to devastate the Pacific Northwest after multiple atmospheric rivers brought more than a foot of rain to parts of Washington and Oregon. pic.twitter.com/NqLAqgaKdE

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 11, 2025

MAJOR FLOODING: The Nooksack River bringing intense flooding to Everson, Washington with 20+ inches of rain slamming the Evergreen State. pic.twitter.com/3HJ5ncb2N9

— FOX Weather (@foxweather) December 12, 2025

Approximately 78,000 residents in Skagit County were given evacuation orders from the Skagit River floodplain after the river crested at almost 38 feet in Mount Vernon. Authorities issued an immediate evacuation order for the city of Burlington as the Gages slough started flooding houses.

Flooding swamped streets and even a gas station in Washington as historic rainfall from multiple atmospheric rivers continued to pound the Pacific Northwest with more than a foot of rain. pic.twitter.com/WR2Bbb2Soc

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 11, 2025

HEROIC RESCUE: Four people were saved from the attic of a home in Sumas, Washington, on Wednesday during devastating flooding. The U.S. Coast Guard shared video of the rescue, saying no one was injured. #rescue #Washington #floods pic.twitter.com/8gaWFGrMgY

— FOX Weather (@foxweather) December 12, 2025

Flooding has impacted wide swaths of Washington, submerging numerous bridges and either inundating or completely washing out several major roads. A few roads have no viable detours and no estimated time to reopen, including a long stretch of State Route 410.