SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — People who live near the Skagit River have been asked to evacuate as forecasts predict record-level flooding over the next two days.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the river will enter major flood stage early Thursday morning and remain there through Friday.
The river is projected to reach 42 feet at Mount Vernon, which would break the previous flood record of 37.4 feet.
State officials issued a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order for everyone living in the 100-year flood plain of the Skagit River.
LINK | Map of 100-year flood plain
“We’re asking people to heed the warnings and make early exits,” said Matt Stratton, a fire commissioner with Skagit County Fire District 3. “I have never heard numbers like this. If the numbers are true, please leave, it’s time to go.”
The fire district held a meeting at their station in Conway where around 75 residents attended and were able to ask emergency managers questions.
“Fortunately we had a lot of people turn out tonight, so I think the word is getting out,” Stratton said.
The fire district is posting real-time updates on their Facebook page and area asking residents to stay alert.
In Mount Vernon, city officials released a video press release updating citizens on the projected flood estimates and evacuations.
Evacuations are also underway in Sedro-Woolley, where residents at the Birchview Memory Care center were evacuated with the help of Skagit Transit, the Sedro-Wooley School District, Helping Hands Food Bank, and Sedro-Woolley fire crews Wednesday evening.
LINK | Sign up for emergency alerts in Skagit County
Earlier in the day Wednesday, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and activated the Washington National Guard to assist with the emergency response to the flooding.
“If you receive an evacuation order, please please follow that order this is critical for your safety,” Ferguson said.
INFORMATION FROM SKAGIT COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Emergency Shelters / Resources
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 floodwaters can seek shelter in the following places:
Concrete High School:
Address: 7830 South Superior Avenue, Concrete, WA 98237
Contact: 360-391-2589
No pets allowed at this shelter
Family Promise at Central United Methodist Church
Address: 1013 Polte Rd, Sedro-Wooley, WA 98284
Contact: 360-854-0743
Pets will be accommodated if possible.
Bethany Covenant Church – Red Cross Shelter
Address: 1318 S 18th St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Contact: 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)
Pets are not allowed at this shelter
Parking Lots for Vehicles Only
Silo Park, Parking Lot
Address: 7503 N Superior, Concrete, WA
Parking Lot behind Superior Building
Address: 45418 Main Street, Concrete, WA
Concrete Community Center
Address: 45821 Railroad Avenue, Concrete, WA
RV Parking
Bakerview Park parking lot
Address: 3101 East Fir Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Available for fully self-contained RVs only, no facilities or hookups.
Skagit Speedway
Address: 4796 Old Highway 99 North; Burlington WA 98233
Livestock Resources
Shelter for livestock is available at the Sedro-Woolley Rodeo Grounds located at 24538 Polte Rd, Sedro-Woolley. For questions, call: 360-421-9468.
If you need help making arrangements for your livestock, you can contact Skagit Animals in Need (SAIN) at info@skagitanimalsinneed.org or on Facebook
Safety Reminders During Floods
The Skagit County Emergency Operations Center is working with partner agencies to survey the county and close roads impacted by flood waters. The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office will work with emergency response agencies to help evacuate communities as needed.
Do not drive on dikes or over flooded roadways. Practice “turn around, don’t drown.”
Follow all road closure and cautionary signs and do not drive around barricades. Water can be deeper and faster-moving than it looks, making driving through any moving water very dangerous.
Skagit County Department of Emergency Management will help the public find available sand and sandbagging resources. Those in need of sandbags can reach out to DEM atdem@co.skagit.wa.usor by calling (360) 416-2090
Residents should monitor forecasts and be ready for additional weather alerts.
For updated river forecasts, please visitwww.skagitcounty.net/Departments/EmergencyInformation/levels.htmor call the River Level Hotline at(360) 416-1404.
For more local emergency information,sign up for the emergency information listservor follow Skagit County on Facebook @SkagitCountyWA. Call the Flood Hotline for general questions about this flooding event at (360) 416-2090. The River Level Hotline at (360) 416-1404 andwww.skagitcounty.net/floodare updated frequently during events and can be resources for information as well.
