After heavy rains swelled rivers and flooded neighborhoods in northern Washington, residents returned to soggy homes caked in mud. Many tried to salvage what they could.

An intense atmospheric river has unleashed what officials describe as western Washington’s most severe flooding in nearly 40 years, inundating communities from coastal towns to mountain valleys. Over just 72 hours,

A foot and a half of rain pushed the water levels of at least four rivers in Washington, including the Skagit River, to hit record highs, surpassing some of their previous records set over 35 years ago.

Flood water is continuing to keep people from their homes and drivers off some major highways in western Washington.

As of Thursday, Dec. 11, a total of 14 Washington counties were under a flood watch, while five counties in Washington were under a flood warning. Residential flooding in Sumas, Wash., on Dec. 10, 2025. Rachel Showalter The Bellingham Herald

Tens of thousands of residents in western Washington are facing potential evacuation orders as another round of heavy rain drops on the region

Gov. Bob Ferguson and other state officials cautioned that more rainfall was expected after rivers hit record flood levels across the region, while residents worried about the long-term future.