BURLINGTON, Wash. (AP) — On Thursday afternoon, Eddie Wicks and his wife were faced with an unexpected crisis when floodwaters from the Snoqualmie River swiftly encroached on their home. After living in Duvall near Seattle for 30 years and navigating past floods with ease, the couple did not anticipate the rapid rise they experienced this time. As they relocated their animals to higher ground, the water climbed four feet in just four hours.
Local authorities sprang into action, with deputies from the King County Sheriff’s Office deploying their marine rescue dive unit to evacuate affected families, including the Wicks, across what had become a temporary lake in their field.
This incident was part of a broader disaster affecting thousands across Washington, as an atmospheric river unleashed over 30 centimeters of rain across the region. Evacuation orders were issued impacting communities that had not seen such overwhelming rainfall in memory, sparking numerous dramatic rescues from rooftop and vehicles alike.
Authorities warned that while the floodwaters might recede, the threat from potential levee failures and mudslides remained high. With forecasts indicating more rain on the horizon, the situation could worsen for towns already facing extensive damage and disruption.
Emergency personnel initiated rescue operations using boats and helicopters, managing to reach those stranded in cars or atop flooded homes. Reports indicate that no fatalities have been recorded, but the level of damage has raised alarm bells statewide.
President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for the state, as extensive flooding led to entire neighborhoods being submerged. As of Friday, approximately 1,000 residents from Burlington were reported to have had to leave their homes, with officials still assessing the impact.
Local authorities sprang into action, with deputies from the King County Sheriff’s Office deploying their marine rescue dive unit to evacuate affected families, including the Wicks, across what had become a temporary lake in their field.
This incident was part of a broader disaster affecting thousands across Washington, as an atmospheric river unleashed over 30 centimeters of rain across the region. Evacuation orders were issued impacting communities that had not seen such overwhelming rainfall in memory, sparking numerous dramatic rescues from rooftop and vehicles alike.
Authorities warned that while the floodwaters might recede, the threat from potential levee failures and mudslides remained high. With forecasts indicating more rain on the horizon, the situation could worsen for towns already facing extensive damage and disruption.
Emergency personnel initiated rescue operations using boats and helicopters, managing to reach those stranded in cars or atop flooded homes. Reports indicate that no fatalities have been recorded, but the level of damage has raised alarm bells statewide.
President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for the state, as extensive flooding led to entire neighborhoods being submerged. As of Friday, approximately 1,000 residents from Burlington were reported to have had to leave their homes, with officials still assessing the impact.
