Floodwaters are finally starting to recede across much of Washington state after a week of historic rainfall, but the threat is far from over. Communities from West Richland in the east to the Skagit Valley in the west are grappling with the aftermath of the most severe flooding seen in decades, as officials warn that more rain is on the way and the risk of renewed disaster lingers.
According to Washington State Standard, the deluge that began earlier this month pushed rivers over their banks, forcing thousands to evacuate and leaving a trail of destruction. On December 12, 2025, the Skagit River crested at a record 37.7 feet near Mount Vernon—surpassing the previous high set in 1990. The Snohomish River also broke records, and rivers as far east as the Yakima in Benton County experienced moderate flooding.
"We've now receded back below flood stage, thankfully, but with that expectation for later in the week that we are going to see those flood waters rise again," Deanna Davis, Benton County Emergency Management Director, told local media. West Richland and Benton City, which experienced flooding not seen for three decades, are among the hardest-hit areas. Approximately 50 homes and businesses, including Woods Nursery near Highway 224 and Highway 240, were inundated. Paul Wood, owner of Woods Nursery, recounted, "We were actually, me and my wife, were vacationing down in Arizona, and we started, you know, getting texts from friends." Despite sandbagging efforts, several inches of water entered their building. "They started projecting about 14 feet 8 inches, and it got to almost 16 feet or did get to 16 feet, so they were off by about a foot and a half, and that foot and a half can sure make a difference."
Emergency teams have been working around the clock. As of December 16, more than 250 members of the Washington National Guard were on the ground, according to official reports. Their efforts included filling nearly 15,000 sandbags, conducting hoist missions, and performing swift water rescues—vital work as communities struggled to keep up with rising waters and fast-changing conditions.
In Skagit County alone, more than 300 National Guard members were deployed, going door-to-door to alert residents to evacuation orders and assisting with rescues. California even sent search and rescue teams to bolster the local response. Fortunately, Governor Bob Ferguson reported that, as of Friday, no one had died as a result of the flooding. "The situation is very dynamic, but we're exceedingly grateful and thankful that our prayers have been answered," Ferguson said at a press conference atop a levee in Tukwila.
Despite the receding rivers, the danger is not past. The National Weather Service issued another flood watch for the region on December 16, with more heavy rain and wind forecast for the coming week. The saturated ground means that even moderate rain could quickly lead to renewed flooding, landslides, and downed trees or power lines. As KIRO 7 reported, rivers, creeks, and streams across Pierce County remain at elevated levels. While the Puyallup, Carbon, and Nisqually rivers have receded, the White River is still at minor flood stage and is expected to remain high for weeks as Mud Mountain Dam's reservoir pool is drawn down.
Residents are being urged to stay vigilant. Authorities recommend signing up for local alerts and keeping Wireless Emergency Alerts activated. "Never walk or drive through flooded areas. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and two feet can sweep away a vehicle," the AARP Hearing Center warned, echoing advice from state emergency officials. Road closures remain widespread, with major highways like U.S. 2 between Skykomish and Leavenworth still impassable in places. Before traveling, drivers are encouraged to check the latest conditions and heed all closure signs.
Cleanup is already underway in many neighborhoods, but health officials caution that the process comes with its own risks. The Washington State Department of Health has published guidance on safe cleanup practices and water safety to help residents avoid illness or injury as they return to their homes. Community groups, local agencies, and national rescue organizations have mobilized to provide shelter and resources for those displaced. The Seattle Times and other outlets have compiled lists of ways the public can help, but residents are also being warned to watch out for disaster relief scams, which often proliferate in the wake of such events.
As recovery efforts ramp up, documenting the damage is crucial. Both Benton County and Pierce County officials are urging residents and business owners to report their losses. This data is vital for applying for federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Davis emphasized, "It's important to document the impacts so we can apply for federal assistance through FEMA." Pierce County has set up a dedicated call center and online portal for damage assessment, with virtual office hours beginning December 15.
Federal support is now on the way. On December 12, President Donald Trump approved Washington's emergency declaration request, enabling FEMA to provide equipment and cover 75% of the costs associated with the disaster response. The declaration covers Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, and Yakima Counties, as well as tribal nations in those areas. Governor Ferguson said the state would be moving "as quickly as we can" to access further federal aid for individuals affected by the flooding. However, he cautioned that it would "take some period of time to gather that information to make our request as strong as possible."
Not all costs will be covered by federal aid, so state funds are likely to be tapped. Washington's so-called rainy day fund—designed for unforeseen events like natural disasters—contains $1.6 billion. "At this point, the unknowns outweigh the knowns. No one has any idea of the extent of the damage or how much this will cost," said Senator Chris Gildon, the state's lead Republican budget writer. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins expressed relief at the speed of the federal response but acknowledged that the state would face significant expenses. "Obviously, the rainy day fund was created in part for emergencies like this," she said. "It was never the first source to go to. But it is always one that we are aware of."
With the immediate crisis easing in some areas, attention is turning to recovery and preparation for what may come next. Residents are being reminded to stay away from river edges, watch for debris, and avoid driving or walking through floodwaters or landslide-prone areas. Emergency teams continue to inspect levees, reopen roads as conditions allow, and make repairs to critical infrastructure. The message from officials is clear: stay alert, help your neighbors, and prepare for more challenging days ahead.
As Washingtonians begin to tally their losses and clean up, the resilience of these communities is on full display. The road to full recovery will be long and winding, but with federal and state support, and the efforts of countless volunteers and emergency workers, the state is determined to come back stronger than before.
