A foot and a half of rain pushed the water levels of at least four rivers in Washington, including the Skagit River, to hit record highs, surpassing some of their previous records set over 35 years ago.

While the torrential downpour caused by an atmospheric river has slowed down, rivers and waterways continue to rise and flood in the state.

MOUNT VERNON, Wash.— Surging floodwaters turned farmland into vast pools, washed out bridges and prompted rescues of people stranded in cars and homes across Washington state on Thursday, as tens of thousands of people were under evacuation orders and authorities hoped levees would hold and prevent far worse damage.

The Boise State Broncos face the Washington Huskies in the Bucked Up LA Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

Gov. Bob Ferguson, who has warned that as many as 100,000 people would need to evacuate statewide, said Friday the Trump administration has approved a disaster declaration.

Record floodwaters are slowly receding in Washington state after triggering evacuations, inundating communities and prompting dramatic rescues from rooftops and vehicles.

Washington state residents are bracing for possible mudslides and levee failures from floodwaters that are expected to be slow to recede.