“Snohomish County Floods: Live Updates on Evacuations, Road Closures, and Rising River Levels”

Homes, highways and harvest fields across Snohomish County remain water-logged tonight as record-setting rain and snowmelt push the Snohomish, Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers past major-flood stage for the second time this month, forcing hundreds to evacuate and triggering a massive multi-agency response. Evacuations and rescues • Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue has pulled more than three dozen people from submerged vehicles and homes near Monroe since Friday; statewide rescues now top 250, officials confirmed during a weekend damage tour with Gov. Bob Ferguson and U.S. senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray. • At the peak of the flooding, the Evergreen State Fairgrounds sheltered 171 horses, 140 chickens, 104 cattle, 94 goats and other livestock after pastures along Tualco Road disappeared under five feet of water. Historic crests, new threats The National Weather Service recorded up to eight inches of rain in the Cascades, fed by a warm “atmospheric river.” Although waters began receding Sunday, forecasters warn another 4–7 inches could fall mid-week, with gusts to 50 mph that threaten trees and power lines. Snow levels will then plummet, reducing runoff but increasing avalanche danger in the mountains. Looting complicates recovery As Marsh Road near Snohomish turned into a 30-foot-deep canal, deputies say thieves in kayaks raided evacuated barns at Franklin Farms, prompting extra patrols and pleas for residents to lock valuables and install cameras. All stolen items were recovered, but officials warn curiosity-seekers and sightseers are still breaching roadblocks. Infrastructure damage mounts • U.S. 2 remains closed between Skykomish and Leavenworth after slides undermined pavement; WSDOT crews say repairs could run into the millions. • County Emergency Management director Lucia Schmit estimates local levee districts and small cities face “catastrophic” financial burdens without federal aid. • President Trump approved an emergency declaration Friday, unlocking FEMA reimbursement for debris removal, shelter operations and overtime for first responders. How to stay safe • Monitor real-time river gauges and road closures at snoco.org/flood. • Call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies; report property crime to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s non-emergency line. • If ordered to leave, shut off electricity at the main breaker, elevate valuables and take photos for insurance claims. Outlook With colder air arriving Thursday, forecasters expect river levels to finally stabilize. Still, officials urge residents to prepare for prolonged closures, boil-water advisories and extensive mold remediation once homes become accessible. The county council will vote Wednesday on an emergency relief package and debris-pickup plan as communities begin the long slog from survival to recovery.