Flooding in Whatcom and Skagit: Staying Informed and Safe

The rain has been relentless across the Pacific Northwest this week, and for residents in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, the situation is rapidly evolving from a weather event into a critical emergency. As river levels in the Nooksack and Skagit basins continue to rise, we are seeing a troubling repeat of the conditions that have historically threatened our region. The ground is saturated, and the water is moving fast.

For families in towns like Everson, Sumas, Hamilton, and Concrete, this is not abstract news; it is a developing crisis happening on their doorsteps. Understanding the scope of the infrastructure damage and knowing exactly how to navigate emergency protocols is no longer just a precaution—it is a necessity.

Infrastructure Impact and Community Isolation

To understand the severity of the current threat, we must look at the physical toll these waters take on our connectivity. The geography of our region, defined by river valleys and low-lying agricultural land, makes our infrastructure particularly vulnerable.

Data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and local county assessments following the historic 2021 atmospheric rivers—which serve as the benchmark for our current preparedness—revealed that flood damage to public infrastructure exceeded $50 million in Whatcom County alone. During peak flood events, critical arterials including the I-5 corridor, Highway 9, and SR 20 frequently face closure due to water over roadway or washouts.

The primary danger right now is "islanding." When bridges and highways are compromised, communities are effectively cut off from supply chains delivering food, fuel, and medical resources. The Skagit County Department of Emergency Management has documented that specific zones, particularly upriver in the Skagit Valley, are prone to total isolation long before the water hits its peak crest. This places an immense strain on local resources and requires a shift in how residents view their own readiness.

The Mechanics of State-Directed Evacuations

Evacuations in our region are not conducted randomly; they are the result of a highly coordinated effort between state and local agencies. The decision to issue an evacuation order is based on real-time hydrological data provided by USGS river gauges and National Weather Service modeling.

When thresholds are crossed, the Washington Emergency Management Division coordinates with local Sheriff’s Offices to execute a tiered evacuation plan. This often begins with the most vulnerable populations—assisted living facilities and those with medical dependencies—before expanding to the general public.

This response involves a complex network of personnel. You will see the Washington National Guard deploying high-water vehicles, alongside local Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers and law enforcement officers. These teams often work in hazardous conditions to ensure the public is notified. It is vital to understand that if these agencies are knocking on your door, the window for safe exit is closing. They are operating under strict safety protocols designed to get people out before the roads become impassable for even heavy-duty vehicles.

Requesting Rescue: When to Call and What to Say

Despite the best efforts of warning systems, rapid water level changes can trap residents in their homes. During major flood events, call volume to 911 centers skyrockets. In previous heavy flooding events in Whatcom County, dispatch centers fielded thousands of calls within a 48-hour window, placing immense pressure on the system.

If you are trapped and require rescue, the efficiency of your communication with dispatchers can directly impact the speed of the response. Panic is a natural reaction, but clear information is the most valuable asset you have.

Follow these five steps to effectively request help:

Declare the Threat Level Immediately

Start your call by stating clearly if there is a medical emergency or an immediate threat to life (e.g., "Water has breached the main floor," or "We have a diabetic emergency"). This helps dispatchers triage your call above property damage reports.

Provide Precise Coordinates

Street signs may be submerged or washed away. If possible, use a smartphone map to read your GPS coordinates to the dispatcher. If that is not an option, describe your location using unmovable landmarks (e.g., "North of the elementary school water tower")

Identify Obstacles

Inform the dispatcher of what stands between you and the rescuers. Mention downed power lines, fast-moving currents, or debris fields. This dictates whether they send a boat, a high-water vehicle, or a helicopter.

Signal Visibility

If it is night, have a flashlight or strobe ready. If it is day, a brightly colored sheet or towel can help aerial or boat crews spot you against the gray water.

Conserve Communication Lines

After making the call, text your status to family to keep the phone line open for responders, then switch to power-saving mode.

Humanitarian Response and Recovery

While the immediate focus is on safety, the strength of our region is also evident in the humanitarian response. Recovery efforts are already mobilizing, led by a mix of professional organizations and community volunteers.

Groups like Team Rubicon, often staffed by military veterans, are frequently the first on the ground once waters recede, assisting homeowners with "mucking out"—the grueling process of removing water-damaged drywall and flooring to prevent mold. We are also seeing local community members and informal networks of neighbors—organizing via social media to clear debris and salvage belongings. These efforts are critical supplements to county and state resources, bridging the gap between immediate disaster and long-term rebuilding.

A Focus on Protocol and Safety

The reality of these floodwaters demands that we move beyond general awareness and into specific action. Understanding the mechanics of state evacuation orders and knowing precisely how to relay critical information to dispatchers are the most vital steps residents can take right now. We encourage everyone to review the official communication channels for local emergency management and ensure you have a clear plan for reaching out to agencies and neighbors alike. In a crisis of this magnitude, accurate information and strict adherence to safety protocols are what will see this community through to recovery.

References

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2022). FEMA-4635-DR-WA: Washington severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides. https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4635

Skagit County Department of Emergency Management. (2020). Skagit County multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. Skagit County. https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/EmergencyManagement/HazardMitigationPlan.htm

U.S. Geological Survey. (n.d.). National water information system: Web interface. Retrieved December 17, 2025, from https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis

Washington State Department of Transportation. (2021). 2021 flood response and recovery report. Washington State Department of Transportation. https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2021-flood-response

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management. (2022). 2021 November floods: After action report and improvement plan. Whatcom County. https://www.whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/64532/2021-November-Floods-AAR