Washington State Faces Record Flooding as New Storms Threaten Region
Residents in western Washington are bracing for severe flooding as a new wave of heavy rain hits the region, following a storm that caused significant disruptions. The atmospheric river is expected to push rivers to record levels, particularly affecting the Skagit River in the agricultural valley north of Seattle. Authorities in Mount Vernon have warned residents to prepare for evacuation, with sandbag-filling stations set up to mitigate flood damage. The town of Orting has already seen evacuations due to the Puyallup River's high levels. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency, emphasizing the potential threat to lives. The Washington National Guard is mobilizing hundreds of members to assist affected communities. The Skagit River is forecasted to reach unprecedented heights, posing a significant risk to areas within its floodplain.