Trump approves WA’s emergency declaration as 100,000 face evacuations

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson revealed the state’s request for federal emergency assistance has been approved by the Trump administration.

The emergency deceleration provides immediate support for rescue operations and clearing debris from roadways.

“I just received a phone call from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Secretary Noem informed me that the president signed our request for an emergency declaration,” Ferguson said. “We have also received written confirmation of that emergency declaration. I expressed my thanks to Secretary Noem on behalf of the people of the State of Washington during this extremely challenging time.”

I just received a phone call from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Secretary Noem informed me that the president signed our request for an emergency declaration. We have also received written confirmation of that emergency declaration.

I expressed my thanks to… pic.twitter.com/duDiACkxkm

— Governor Bob Ferguson (@GovBobFerguson) December 12, 2025

Ferguson initially contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to request aid.

At a press conference Friday afternoon, Ferguson expressed gratitude for the approval of federal assistance.

“We deeply appreciate the support of the federal government at a time of real need here in Washington state,” he said.

However, he noted the government’s approval differed from the original request, with at least one county excluded from aid.

Ferguson said he is working with federal officials to secure additional assistance, adding that he was open to meeting with Trump to thank him for the federal aid and to request additional support.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay said that, although there is no direct federal support for individuals and businesses yet, the approval of immediate aid was a step in the right direction. He added that the state is not out of the woods yet, as more rain is expected next week.

Ferguson noted there has been no reported loss of life at this time.

Western WA evacuation updates

Ferguson stated that 100,000 Washington residents are facing evacuation orders.

Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notices have been issued for residents of Burlington Friday, asking them to leave immediately, due to rising floodwaters from Gages Slough.

“Gages Slough is flooding into homes in Burlington,” the evacuation notice read. “All residents in the city of Burlington should evacuate immediately.” The notice was first posted at 6:12 a.m. Friday.

The National Guard was assigned to go door-to-door to notify residents and help with evacuations.

Puyallup River flooding forces evacuations in Orting, Puyallup

Flood waters from the Puyallup River continue to force residents from their homes in Orting and Puyallup.

More residents in downtown Puyallup received the order to evacuate Thursday afternoon.

Nearby, the Puyallup River has turned into a downtown attraction, with pedestrians strolling under the North Meridian Bridge marveling at the sheer spectacle.

Dozens of homes were under evacuation orders Thursday, Orting Mayor Josh Penner said.

Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations were previously established in Orting on Wednesday.

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue publicly stated that people living in the area of Williams Boulevard N.W., Mellinger Avenue N.W., and Stone Street N.W. need to evacuate now.

An additional Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation order has been issued for community members who live in the area near High Cedars Golf Course community, south of the Puyallup River near 150th Avenue E., 188th Street E., 184th Street E., 176th Street E., 168th Street E., off Pioneer Way E., 177th Street E., and Patterson Road E.

“Please be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice,” Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.

“River levels within Orting are extremely high. City of Orting levee improvements are working as designed,” Central Pierce & Fire stated. “Our concern is the levees upstream on the Puyallup River in the south end of town. We are actively monitoring river levels in that area.”

More Pierce County evacuations

Residents in specific areas of South Prairie have been told to evacuate just before 12 p.m. Thursday.

Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notices were issued for those who live between SR 162 and South Prairie Road E., west to Emery Avenue N.

According to The Tacoma News Tribune, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is going door-to-door to notify people in the area.

Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation notices have been issued for people living between SR 162, east of Rainier Avenue S.E., to Veterans’ Park.

Skagit County evacuations

The governor shared via the National Water Prediction Service that the state could see 18 major floods and 15 moderate floods.

“Catastrophic flooding is likely,” Ferguson said on social media. “Please pay close attention to local officials and sign up for emergency alerts with your county.”

In Skagit County, those living in Burlington, La Conner, Lyman, Hamilton, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, and most areas along the Skagit River were told to evacuate as rivers in the county reached record levels.

The Skagit River near Concrete is expected to crest at 43 feet around 10 a.m. Thursday, the Nooksack River at Ferndale is expected to crest at 22 feet by 4 a.m., Friday, and the Skagit River near Mount Vernon is expected to crest at 39 feet around 10 a.m., Friday.

The Nooksack River at North Cedarville already crested at a record-breaking 150 feet Thursday morning at 3:30 a.m. The Skagit River near Mount Vernon is forecast to break any previous water-level records.

Western Skagit County and northwestern Snohomish County are under a Flash Flood Watch through late Friday night as the National Weather Service warns of the potential failure of levees and dikes along the Skagit River.

Three emergency shelters have been established in Skagit County — Concrete High School, located at 7830 S. Superior Ave. in Concrete; the Family Promise at Central United Methodist Church, located at 1013 Polte Rd. in Sedro-Woolley, and the Bethany Covenant Church, located at 1318 S. 18th St. in Mount Vernon.

Sonomish County evacuations

Just south of Monroe, residents in Tualco Valley were ordered to evacuate by the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday evening due to significant flooding expected within all county rivers.

Residents in Sultan did not receive Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders, but officials recommend those living south of Date Avenue and west of Fourth Street to seriously consider evacuating.

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