An atmospheric river caused heavy rainfall and significant flooding across the Pacific Northwest on December 11, 2025, affecting areas from northern Oregon to British Columbia. As a result, dozens of roads were closed, and about 100,000 residents in Western Washington, particularly in rural Skagit County, received “Level 3” evacuation orders to seek higher ground. Despite the challenging conditions, no casualties or missing persons were reported, although many needed temporary shelter.
The storm dumped over a foot of rain in some areas, leading to concerns about flood control levees in Skagit County, as rivers like the Skagit, Snohomish, and Puyallup reached alarming levels. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency, anticipating catastrophic flooding. In British Columbia, five major highways to Vancouver were closed due to flooding and avalanche risks.
Meteorologists predict that such storms will become more frequent and intense due to climate change. The situation remains dynamic, with continued threats of flooding expected as the storm system gradually subsides.
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