Our State has been feeling the effects of historic flooding that struck around early December, forcing people to abandon their homes and evacuate, resulting in nearly four thousand damaged homes and four hundred and forty that were completely destroyed (King5). Major road closures and destruction led to big rescue efforts across the counties that had been affected.

An extremely powerful atmospheric river caused by a long stream of moisture across the Pacific Ocean drenched a lot of the western Washington areas. With several straight days of torrential downpour,  the Skagit and Snohomish rivers’ water levels increased way above their normal levels. The Snohomish River ended up crushing the previous records of its previous flood marks.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared that the flooding was “one of the most devastating in our state’s history,” saying that the floods resulted in hundreds of rescues, extensive infrastructure damage, and a long road ahead for the recovery. “We’re in for the long haul,” he told reporters as crews worked to help the affected communities (KPIC).

National Guard teams and emergency personnel were sent to respond to the water rescues and evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents in the low-lying areas, where three hundred and eighty-three people were rescued, and one fatality was reported when a driver attempted to cross the deep floodwaters, underscoring the danger flood conditions can pose even after the initial storm has stopped (King5). Some families were even airlifted to safety, and entire farming communities north of the Seattle area were temporarily evacuated as floodwaters swamped neighborhoods. Along with the high waters, major highways and rail lines were damaged or closed, leaving several routes unusable for weeks. This impacted teachers, students, and everyone else in the area who were still trying to keep their routines. Mudslides and fallen debris blocked roads, and power outages affected thousands of residents during the storm’s peak.

As temperatures drop, and rain continues to loom, the rivers have receded significantly and are easily below flood watch levels. However, the damage hasn’t gone unnoticed. Governor Ferguson has requested that the federal government send over $21 million dollars in FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to help with all of the continuing damage.