Flood warning issued in the County of Skagit, Washington

Skagit County in Washington State is experiencing severe flooding and is operating under a “LEVEL THREE – OUT” evacuation order.

Therefore, authorities are asking all residents living within the 100-year floodplain to prepare to evacuate to higher ground immediately.

The recommendation is being issued to upstream communities, such as Rockport, Hamilton, Marblemount, and Concrete, to evacuate to higher ground as soon as possible.

So if you are listening to us in the Skagit area, do not wait and follow the instructions of the authorities.

The U.S. National Weather Service is forecasting historic flooding for Skagit County.

You must be alert and prepared, which means having a travel bag ready, knowing your evacuation route, having a plan, and knowing where to go to stay on high ground.

According to the weather service report, the Skagit River in Mount Vernon is forecast to reach 41.54 feet on Friday, December 12, at 4:00 a.m.

This level marks a record high of several feet.

Authorities recalled that during the great flood of 2021, the Skagit River reached 38.93 feet in Concrete and 33.11 feet in Mount Vernon.

Skagit County in Washington State is experiencing severe flooding.

It is important to know that the Skagit County Emergency Operations Center is coordinating shelters with the American Red Cross and working with partner agencies, as well as cities and towns, to survey the county and close roads affected by flooding.

In addition, the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office will collaborate with emergency response agencies to help evacuate communities as necessary.

It is very important that you take the following recommendations into account: Please do not drive on levees or flooded roads and practice the “turn around, don’t drown” strategy.

You should also obey all road closure and caution signs and do not drive around barricades.

You should also be careful because the water may be deeper and flowing faster than it appears, making driving in moving water very dangerous.

The Skagit County Department of Emergency Management will assist the public in locating available sand and sandbags. Those in need of sandbags can contact DEM at dem@co.skagit.wa.us or by calling (360) 416-2090.

To monitor road closures, visit the Skagit County road closure website here: www.skagitcounty.net/reporting/roadclose/

The Skagit County Emergency Operations Center is coordinating shelters with local organizations, churches, towns, and the American Red Cross. Shelters and parking are on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents displaced by flooding can seek shelter at the following locations:

• Concrete High School: Address: 7830 South Superior Avenue, Concrete, WA 98237 Contact: 360-391-2589 Pets are not allowed at this shelter

• Family Promise at Central United Methodist Church o Address: 1013 Polte Rd, Sedro-Wooley, WA 98284 o Contact: 360-854-0743 o Pets will be accommodated if possible. • Bethany Covenant Church – Red Cross Shelter o Address: 1318 S 18th St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274 o Contact: 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) o Pets are not allowed at this shelter

• Cascade Christian Church o Address: 534 Township St., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 o Contact: 360-855-1484 o Pets must remain outside. No space is available for vehicles, RVs, and trailers if needed.

Residents should monitor forecasts and be prepared for additional weather alerts