Flood Update and Bus Route Changes

Bus F - Rhonda: Four stops only

• Conway Fir Island Church (7:15-7:30) (3:15-3:30),
  
• Snow Goose (7:40-7:55) (3:40-3:55) , and
• Hayton Farms Berry Stand @ Fir Island /Dry Slough Road (8:00/4:00)
  
• Guardrail @ Broadway/Fire Hall (8:15/3:15)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Flood Watch Issued for Skagit County: Additional Weather Systems and Flooding Likely

The U.S. National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for Skagit County early this morning, which will remain in effect until Thursday afternoon, December 18th. The Flood Warning for the Skagit River in Mount Vernon and Concrete is still in effect. Additionally, a Wind Advisory is in effect until 10:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15th, and a High Wind Watch will be in effect from Tuesday, December 16th through the morning of Wednesday, December 17th.

A series of weather systems is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall from late Sunday through Wednesday, resulting in sharp rises in local river levels. Strong winds are also anticipated across Skagit County during this time. The combination of saturated soils, high winds, and additional rain will increase the risk of landslides, falling trees, and power outages.

River forecasts indicate that the Skagit River will experience major flooding on multiple days this coming week. In Concrete, the river is predicted to crest at 32.8 feet at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16th. A second crest is expected in Concrete on Wednesday, December 17th, around 4:00 p.m., reaching 33.32 feet. In Mount Vernon, the Skagit River is expected to crest at 32.81 feet on Tuesday, December 16th, at 10:00 p.m., and then peak again at 32.89 feet on Thursday, December 18th, at 10:00 a.m. All four crests are forecast to exceed the major flooding thresholds of 32.5 feet in Concrete and 32 feet in Mount Vernon.

Residents should prepare for ongoing flooding as waterways are already at capacity, and dikes and levees are under significant strain.

Even if recent flood waters did not reach your home, it's important to remember that each flood path is different. Monitor forecasts closely and be prepared.

Level 2 “Get Set”: All of Skagit County in the 100-year floodplain should have their go kit ready, know their evacuation route, and be prepared for potential evacuation. With rivers already at capacity, conditions could worsen rapidly due to incoming weather events. Many roads, neighborhoods, and towns are still flooded and unsafe for return.

Respect all road closure signs and refer to the live Skagit County road closure map. Follow cautionary signs and do not drive through water over roadways. Avoid floodwater, as it may be contaminated and can conceal other hazards. Be aware that underground or downed power lines can electrically charge the water.

For updated river forecasts, please call the River Level Hotline at (360) 416-1404 or visit www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/EmergencyInformation/levels.htm. For more local emergency information, sign up for the emergency information listserv or follow Skagit County on Facebook @SkagitCountyWA. For additional flooding information and resources (including road closures, shelter information, sandbag locations, and health and safety information), visit www.skagitcounty.net/flood.

Contact

dem@co.skagit.wa.us

360-416-2090