SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — As the Pacific Northwest grapples with the aftermath of severe flooding, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes due to an unusually strong atmospheric river that has drenched parts of western and central Washington with over a foot of rain.
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Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Bob Ferguson are scheduled to visit the Skagit County Flood Wall on Saturday to receive updates on response efforts and the National Weather Service forecast.
Sen. Murray’s commitment to climate resiliency continues, as she has recently directed significant federal investments to the state through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and annual appropriations, her office said.
A walking tour will take place at 11:15 a.m. to observe the flood wall up close.
The deluge has swollen rivers, inundated communities, and prompted dramatic rescues from rooftops and vehicles for days this week.
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Authorities expect the record floodwaters to slowly recede by Saturday, but they caution that water levels will remain high for several days.
There is an ongoing risk of levee failures or mudslides, compounded by the forecast of additional rain on Sunday.
The flooding has led to dozens of water rescues, with debris and mudslides closing highways and torrents washing out roads and bridges.
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The Associated Press contributed to this story
