⚠️ FLOOD EMERGENCY ALERT ⚠️
Catastrophic Flooding - Whatcom & Skagit Counties
Governor Ferguson Declares Statewide Emergency • National Guard Activated • Historic River Levels
Updated: Thursday December 11, 2025 6:00 AM PST
Emergency Summary - Thursday Morning Update
CURRENT STATUS: The extremely powerful Level 4 atmospheric river continues to impact Western Washington. Heavy rain persists through Thursday morning with flooding occurring now across multiple communities. Bellingham recorded 2.47 inches of rain in 24 hours, shattering the daily record.
GOVERNOR'S EMERGENCY DECLARATION: Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on December 10, 2025. The Washington National Guard has been activated with hundreds of Guard members deployed to assist communities. Federal disaster declaration has been requested.
SCALE OF IMPACT: Up to 100,000 residents across Western Washington face evacuation orders. Skagit County has ordered entire 100-year floodplain to evacuate with approximately 75,000 people affected. Multiple Level 3 GO NOW evacuations remain in effect.
TIMELINE: Peak flooding occurring NOW through Friday morning (December 11-12). Skagit River expected to crest Thursday evening at 48 feet in Concrete and Friday morning at 42 feet in Mount Vernon, both potentially exceeding all-time records by 5-10 feet. Another atmospheric river system possible this weekend could cause renewed flooding.
RAINFALL TOTALS: Western Washington has received 5-10 inches of rain over the past several days. Cascade Mountains received 6-10+ inches with more falling Thursday morning. Soil saturation at extreme levels increases landslide risk.
Affected Communities Status - 6:00 AM Update
Emergency Contacts
Major Road Closures - WSDOT & Whatcom County
UPDATED 6:00 AM Thursday: We have extensive road closures across Whatcom and Skagit Counties due to flooding and landslides.
Interstate & State Routes (WSDOT)
I-5 IMPACTS: Northbound I-5 on/off ramps at Iowa Street (MP254) in Bellingham CLOSED due to water over roadway. All lanes remain open but use extreme caution.
STATE ROUTE 542 (Mount Baker Highway): CLOSED eastbound and westbound just east of Silver Lake Road (MP 27) due to water over roadway.
STATE ROUTE 20: Multiple closures in Skagit County between Conrad Road and Cascade Road (MP 100-106) due to flooding. Marblemount area heavily impacted.
STATE ROUTE 530: CLOSED in Skagit County at Illabot Creek Road (MP 65) due to flooding.
I-90 EAST: All lanes temporarily closed between mileposts 27-32 due to mudslide and water on roadway. Check WSDOT for current status.
HIGHWAY 2: 50-mile stretch CLOSED between Index and Coles Corner due to mudslides, debris, and flooding. No estimated reopening time. This is a major east-west route closure.
Whatcom County Roads (Public Works)
EVERSON AREA:
• Main Street - CLOSED, water overtopping roadway
• Emerson Road - CLOSED, water over roadway, flood gates closed
• Tom Road - Expected to close soon
• Van Buren Road - Expected to close soon
• Lindsey Road - Expected to close soon
BELLINGHAM AREA:
• Iowa Street near I-5 - CLOSED
• Meador Avenue under I-5 - Water over roadway
• Iowa Street at Moore - Water over roadway
• Iowa Street at Lincoln - Water over roadway
OTHER CLOSURES:
• Slater Road - CLOSED at 4:00 PM Wednesday
• Guide Meridian at Kelly Road - Large amounts of water on roadway
• Multiple roads near steep slopes - Use extreme caution due to landslide risk
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Do NOT drive around road closure signs. This is a violation of RCW 47.48.040 and you WILL receive a ticket. Roads are closed for your safety. Conditions can change rapidly, especially after dark when hazards are harder to see.
LIVE UPDATES: Check Whatcom County Road Closures and WSDOT Traffic Alerts for real-time information.
Emergency Shelters
WHATCOM COUNTY SHELTERS:
Ferndale Severe Weather Shelter
United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington Street, Ferndale
360-380-2200
Currently accepting evacuees
Good News Fellowship
1252 Axton Road, Ferndale
360-510-5096
Currently accepting evacuees
North County Christ the King Church
127 17th Street, Lynden
Capacity: 50 people
Contact Whatcom County Emergency Management
Sonlight Church
8800 Bender Road, Lynden
Capacity: 100 people
Contact Whatcom County Emergency Management
Lighthouse Mission Ministries
1312 F Street, Bellingham
Capacity: 300+ beds
PETS WELCOME
Currently accepting flood evacuees
SKAGIT COUNTY SHELTERS:
Hamilton First Baptist Church (Red Cross)
Hamilton (address via Red Cross)
Red Cross operated shelter accepting evacuees
First United Methodist Church (Red Cross)
1607 E Division Street, Mount Vernon
Currently accepting flood evacuees
River Level Information
NOOKSACK RIVER FORECASTS:
• North Cedarville: Forecast to reach 148-150 feet Wednesday evening, causing widespread flooding downstream through Lynden
• Ferndale: Forecast to crest at 21-22 feet (flood stage is 18 feet)
• Everson: Currently experiencing overflow flooding with water overtopping Main Street and Emerson Road
SKAGIT RIVER FORECASTS:
• Concrete: Expected to crest at 48 feet around 4:00 AM Thursday (December 11), potentially 5-10 feet above all-time record
• Mount Vernon: Expected to crest at 42 feet around 4:00 AM Friday (December 12), potentially exceeding record levels
CHECK RIVER LEVELS: Visit NOAA River Gauges for real-time river level data.
Record-Breaking Floods Forecast
CONCRETE: Skagit River forecast to crest at 47.62-48 feet on Thursday 4:00 AM (December 11). This is 9+ feet HIGHER than the 2021 record of 38.93 feet.
MOUNT VERNON: Skagit River forecast to crest at 41.54-42 feet on Friday 4:00 AM (December 12). This is 8+ feet HIGHER than the 2021 record of 33.11 feet.
BURLINGTON & SEDRO-WOOLLEY: Historic flooding occurring now. Evacuate immediately.
SCALE: Up to 75,000 people in evacuation zones. County preparing for potentially most catastrophic flooding in documented history.
Evacuation Orders
LEVEL 3 "GO NOW" EVACUATIONS: Leave immediately. Do not wait.
ADDITIONAL EVACUATION PREPARATIONS: Hamilton, Rockport, Marblemount, Lyman, and other traditionally flood-prone communities advised to be prepared to leave on short notice.
Critical Infrastructure
DIVISION STREET BRIDGE: Closes at 36 feet river level. Expected closure NOON Thursday, December 11.
COUNTY SERVICES: All non-essential Skagit County services CLOSED Thursday, December 11 (courts, non-emergency offices).
SCHOOLS: Burlington-Edison, Mount Vernon, La Conner, Acme Elementary CLOSED Thursday-Friday.
HEALTHCARE: Riverbend and Station Square clinics CLOSED. Main hospital remains OPEN.
Flood Hotline: 360-416-2090
River Level Hotline: 360-416-1404
Emergency Management: 360-416-1850
Road Closures: skagitcounty.net/reporting/roadclose
Evacuation Status - Thursday Morning
CURRENT STATUS: City of Sumas continues to urge all residents to evacuate immediately. Flooding remains imminent as Nooksack River overflow approaches the city.
CRITICAL WARNING: Evacuation routes OUT of Sumas will be CLOSED once water reaches them. The amount of time it takes for water to reach Sumas can vary. Do not delay leaving.
HISTORICAL PATTERN: Conditions similar to February 2020 "Super Bowl flood" that devastated the area. Nooksack River overflow flooding expected to follow same pattern.
CROSS-BORDER IMPACTS: Abbotsford BC (Canada) has issued evacuation alerts for Clayburn Village and Sumas Prairie West. Overflow from Sumas expected to reach Canadian border within 7 hours once flooding begins. Sumas-Huntingdon border crossing closed to southbound commercial vehicles to allow more room for evacuations.
SUMAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Museum staff have been moving precious historical items to the second floor in preparation for potential flooding.
What to Do RIGHT NOW
Nearest Emergency Shelters
Shelters are open and accepting evacuees:
Ferndale Severe Weather Shelter
United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington Street, Ferndale
360-380-2200
Currently accepting Sumas evacuees
Good News Fellowship
1252 Axton Road, Ferndale
360-510-5096
Currently accepting Sumas evacuees
North County Christ the King Church
127 17th Street, Lynden
Capacity: 50 people
Contact Whatcom County Emergency Management
Sonlight Church
8800 Bender Road, Lynden
Capacity: 100 people
Contact Whatcom County Emergency Management
Lighthouse Mission Ministries
1312 F Street, Bellingham
Capacity: 300+ beds
PETS WELCOME
Currently accepting flood evacuees from all areas
Important Resources
Nooksack Valley Food Bank: CLOSED Thursday and Friday in Everson and Sumas due to flooding conditions.
Emergency Info: City of Sumas will continue to send mobile alerts and update website with latest developments.
Check Road Conditions: Before leaving, check Whatcom County road closures to plan your route.
Current Flooding Status - Thursday Morning
CRITICAL UPDATE: As of Wednesday afternoon, water began flowing over Main Street in Everson and has continued north. The flooding is NOW OCCURRING.
EVACUATION STATUS: Voluntary evacuation remains in effect for ALL residents north of Nooksack River. Everson Police Department and Mayor strongly urge residents to leave now.
RIVER CONDITIONS: Nooksack River forecast to crest higher than previously expected, reaching just above major flood stage. The river is rising quickly with significant flooding expected throughout Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas.
HISTORICAL COMPARISON: Everson Police advise residents to prepare for conditions similar to or potentially worse than the February 2020 "Super Bowl" floods that significantly damaged the area.
OVERFLOW PATTERN: Nooksack River overflow flooding at Everson is occurring NOW along an abandoned Nooksack River side channel, including Johnson Creek, flowing from Everson north toward Sumas and the Canadian border.
SANDBAG OPERATIONS: Public works crews from Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas have placed approximately 350 sandbags (each weighing 3,000-4,000 pounds) along Emerson Road to hold back expected overflow. Despite these efforts, water is overtopping roads.
Road Closures - UPDATED 6:00 AM Thursday
CURRENTLY CLOSED:
• MAIN STREET: CLOSED - Water overtopping roadway, all traffic prohibited
• EMERSON ROAD: CLOSED - Water over roadway, flood gates closed
EXPECTED TO CLOSE SOON (per Everson Mayor):
• Tom Road: Closure imminent due to water flooding roadway
• Van Buren Road / North Washington: Closure imminent
• Lindsey Road: Closure imminent
TIMING: Based on Wednesday conditions, Emerson Road and Main Street were expected to overtop between 2-4 PM. Water began crossing roadways at that time. River continues to rise quickly overnight.
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: When water begins crossing roadways, those roads are immediately closed to ALL traffic. Do NOT attempt to drive around road closure signs. This is a violation of RCW 47.48.040 and is extremely dangerous. You will receive a ticket.
WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS ALERT: Flooding and road impacts likely to increase Thursday. Use extreme caution and NEVER drive through floodwaters, especially after dark when hazards are harder to see.
Levee Status
CURRENT STATUS: As of Wednesday night, there are no reports of levee breaches yet, but some levee segments are overtopping in some locations along the Nooksack River.
MONITORING: Whatcom County Public Works and local officials continue to monitor levee conditions closely. Conditions can change rapidly.
Emergency Shelters - Currently Accepting Evacuees
If you are evacuating from Everson, these shelters are open NOW:
Ferndale Severe Weather Shelter
United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington Street, Ferndale
360-380-2200
Currently accepting Everson evacuees
Good News Fellowship
1252 Axton Road, Ferndale
360-510-5096
Currently accepting Everson evacuees
North County Christ the King Church
127 17th Street, Lynden
Capacity: 50 people
Contact Whatcom County Emergency Management
Sonlight Church
8800 Bender Road, Lynden
Capacity: 100 people
Contact Whatcom County Emergency Management
Lighthouse Mission Ministries
1312 F Street, Bellingham
Capacity: 300+ beds
PETS WELCOME
Currently accepting flood evacuees from all areas
Important Resources
Nooksack Valley Food Bank: CLOSED Thursday and Friday in Everson due to flooding conditions.
Emergency Contacts: Unable to evacuate? Call 360-599-2823 for emergency assistance.
Flood Information: Visit Everson City website for flood inundation maps showing extent of flooding at various river flows. Current forecasts predict 50,000 CFS.
River Forecast
FORECAST CREST: 21 to 22.3 feet
EXPECTED TIME: Thursday afternoon, approximately 4:00 PM (December 11)
FLOOD STAGE: 18 feet (moderate flood stage: 20.5 feet)
CURRENT STATUS: Rising, approaching moderate flood level
What This Means for Ferndale
At 22 feet, the Nooksack River will overflow levees along the east bank from Hovander Park downstream to Marietta. Expected impacts include:
NOTE: This is serious flooding but NOT at the catastrophic level facing Sumas or Skagit County.
Closures
HOVANDER HOMESTEAD PARK: CLOSED
- Tennant Lake Boardwalk - CLOSED
- Fragrance Garden - CLOSED
- Boat launch - CLOSED
- All park trails - CLOSED
- Duration: Until floodwaters recede and inspections completed
FERNDALE PIER: CLOSED until further notice (announced Wednesday afternoon)
ROAD CLOSURES:
- Slater Road (LaBounty Drive to Ferndale Roads)
- Ferndale Road (north of Marine Drive; north of Slater Road)
- Marine Drive (multiple sections)
Emergency Shelters Available
Ferndale Severe Weather Shelter
United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington Street
Shelter and hot food available
360-380-2200
Good News Fellowship
1252 Axton Road, Ferndale
Shelter and hot food available
360-510-5096
Sandbags
Free sandbags, first-come first-served
NOT pre-filled - bring your own shovel
Enter property from Northwest Drive
Current Status - Thursday Morning
RECORD RAINFALL: Bellingham recorded 2.47 inches of rain over the previous 24 hours, which SHATTERED the previous daily rainfall record. This extreme rainfall intensity has overwhelmed drainage systems in some areas.
FLOOD WATCH: Remains in effect through Friday afternoon (December 12, 4:00 PM PST) for all of Whatcom County including Bellingham.
SITUATION: Bellingham is dealing with localized urban flooding, multiple road closures, and water over roadways in various locations throughout the city. City Public Works crews are working to alleviate issues and manage closures. NO evacuations needed or anticipated.
PRIMARY IMPACTS: Road closures affecting traffic flow, standing water in low-lying areas, overwhelmed storm drains, and localized flooding in flood-prone zones. Some businesses near flooded areas affected.
CITY RESPONSE: Bellingham Public Works actively responding to all reported flooding issues and implementing road closures where necessary for public safety.
Current Road Closures - Updated 6:00 AM Thursday
As reported by Bellingham Police Department and WSDOT:
Major intersection affecting north Bellingham traffic
Main I-5 lanes remain OPEN but use caution
Check current conditions before travel
Public Works responding
Use alternate routes
Drive with extreme caution if open
CRITICAL SAFETY REMINDER: Bellingham Police Department urges residents NOT to drive through standing water over roadways. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly and water depth is difficult to judge. Obey all road closure signs and barricades.
ROAD STATUS UPDATES: Conditions are changing throughout the day as Public Works responds. Check City of Bellingham website for latest road closure information.
City Services
WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY: Staff monitoring ongoing flooding and in contact with local and regional weather authorities to support safety and preparedness.
PUBLIC WORKS: City crews actively working to alleviate flooding issues and close roadways where necessary for public safety. Report non-emergency road conditions to appropriate city departments.
PARKS & RECREATION: City parks and trails may be saturated with trails near creeks and streams remaining unstable or impassable. Check before visiting.
River Monitoring
NOOKSACK RIVER AT NORTH CEDARVILLE: Forecast to reach 148-150 feet causing widespread flooding downstream through Lynden with swift waters covering farmlands and roads. At 148 feet, erosion may affect some river banks.
CURRENT STATUS: Monitoring conditions. No evacuation orders at this time.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Overflow from upstream flooding in Everson and Sumas areas may affect Lynden. Swift water covering farmlands and some roads possible as river crests.
Available Shelters
If conditions deteriorate and evacuation becomes necessary, these Lynden shelters are available:
North County Christ the King Church
127 17th Street, Lynden
Capacity: 50 people
Contact Whatcom County Emergency Management
Sonlight Church
8800 Bender Road, Lynden
Capacity: 100 people
Contact Whatcom County Emergency Management
Current Status
COASTAL FLOODING: Coastal flood advisory expired Wednesday afternoon. Minor tidal overflow was expected around morning high tide but has passed without significant impact.
RIVER FLOODING: No concerns. Blaine is not impacted by Nooksack or Skagit River flooding.
GENERAL CONDITIONS: Heavy rain has affected the area but no significant flooding issues reported within Blaine city limits.
Monitoring
Blaine continues to monitor weather conditions but does not anticipate significant flooding impacts from current atmospheric river event.
TRAVEL: Monitor road conditions if traveling to other Whatcom County areas experiencing flooding. Many routes north and east of Blaine are experiencing closures and flooding.