WATCH: Statewide Emergency Declared, Covering Millions of Washington Residents

Washington is facing historic and potentially record-breaking flooding as an atmospheric river stalls over the region, pushing major rivers to dangerous levels and triggering evacuation warnings across western Washington.

In this full news conference, Gov. Bob Ferguson, the Washington National Guard, Emergency Management, and WSDOT outline the latest impacts, including rising river forecasts, landslide risks, road closures, evacuation plans, and the need for federal support.

Officials confirm:
• Statewide emergency declaration signed
• Request for federal emergency assistance underway
• 100+ National Guard deployed today, scaling to 300+ by tomorrow
• Multiple rivers—from the Skagit to the Snohomish, Cowlitz, Nooksack, and Puyallup—are at Major

Flood Stage
• Some rivers may break 100-year records, with overtopping possible
• 75,000+ residents in low-lying areas may face evacuation notices
• Landslide threat is elevated statewide due to saturated soils
• Highway closures and travel dangers expected through the week

Emergency officials stress that this is a rapidly evolving, life-threatening situation, with new impacts developing hour by hour. Residents are urged to follow local alerts, obey evacuation orders, and avoid flooded roads.

00:00 Storm Overview & Current Conditions
02:11 Governor’s Emergency Declaration Update
05:23 National Guard Deployment & Emergency Operations
06:34 Record Flooding Threats & Evacuation Plans
11:06 Road Closures, Travel Alerts & Safety Guidance
11:54 Press Q&A: Federal Aid, Business Impact, Life-Threatening Risk
15:14 Final Message to Washingtonians