Flood Warning

Sedro-Woolley schools are open today on a regular schedule. Our transportation team checked routes early this morning, and all bus routes are currently clear.

Families who live in flood-prone or low-lying areas are encouraged to use caution on the way to school. Please allow extra travel time, watch for water or debris on roadways, and remind teen drivers to take it slow and avoid flooded areas.

We will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and share updates if anything changes.

The U.S. National Weather Service has upgraded the Skagit County area near Concrete from a Flood Watch to a Flood Warning, effective from late Monday evening, December 8, until further notice.

As of early this morning, the Skagit River is expected to reach major flood levels during two separate high-water events this week:

• Concrete:
  • First crest: 32.62 feet predicted around 4:00 p.m. today, December 9
  • Second crest: 36.98 feet predicted around 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 11
  (Major flood stage in Concrete begins at 32.5 feet.)

• Mount Vernon:
  • First crest: 32.04 feet predicted around 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 10
  • Second crest: 36.34 feet predicted around 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 12
  (Major flood stage in Mount Vernon begins at 32 feet.)

The Skagit County Emergency Operations Center is working with local partners to monitor conditions and close roads impacted by floodwaters. Please do not drive through flooded roadways. Water may be deeper or faster-moving than it appears, and road surfaces beneath the water may be damaged. Follow all road closure signs and barricades.

To monitor county road closures, visit:
www.skagitcounty.net/reporting/roadclose/

Residents in flood-prone areas should stay alert, monitor changing forecasts, and take steps to protect homes, livestock, and belongings as needed.

Several waves of heavy rain are expected to continue, including a strong atmospheric river that will cause rapid river rises. Saturated soils are also increasing landslide risk throughout Western Washington.

Our top priority is keeping students, families, and staff safe. As of 5 a.m. this morning, there are no road closures effecting any of our bus routes. That could change as the week progresses.

According to the hydrologic information posted by the National Weather Service, when the Skagit River is 32.5 feet or higher, flooding would be anticipated from Rockport downstream through Sedro-Woolley, affecting low-lying areas near the river, roads, and residential areas, primarily in Cape Horn, Hamilton, and Thunderbird. Areas such as Cockreham Island, Nookachamps, and Sterling may also experience water flow. Major flooding is at 32 feet, causing deep and swift floodwaters to inundate roads, farms, businesses, and residential areas in the aforementioned regions.

In previous flood events, our bus drivers have often been the first to identify impassable roads due to flooding.

In the event of a two-hour delay, bus riders can anticipate the bus arriving approximately two hours later than the usual schedule. If certain roads become impassable due to flooding, and schools remain open, the Transportation Department may implement alternate stops.

During adverse weather conditions, our dispatch secretaries may experience high call volumes. If you need to contact the Transportation Department, please call 360-855-3504. If your call is not immediately answered, please leave a message, and they will return your call as soon as possible.

Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work to ensure the safety and efficient transportation of our students during challenging weather conditions.

If you reside in a flood-prone or low-lying area, please take necessary precautions. Follow guidelines from local authorities and emergency services. Levees east of Sedro Woolley may be damaged under sustained flood waters, so it's crucial to stay informed and prepared.

In anticipation of flooding from Tuesday night through Thursday, sand and sandbags are available to County and City residents at the City of Sedro-Woolley’s Public Works Yard, located at 315 Sterling Street. Residents will need to bring their own shovel.

Schools are operating on a normal schedule unless otherwise announced. We recognize that some families may not have a safe way to commute.

If you do not have a safe route to school, please stay home.

Absences or late arrivals related to flooding, road closures, landslides, or safety concerns will be excused.

You may contact your school office in any of the following ways:

• Call the attendance secretary

• Email the school office

• Reply to the attendance thread through Rooms (where available)

Please contact us when you are able—your safety comes first.

Provided for your reference are recent and historic crest levels of the Skagit River, highlighting the potential severity of the upcoming event.

Recent Crest Levels:

29.49 ft on 11/29/2021

38.93 ft on 11/15/2021

29.44 ft on 11/13/2021

31.58 ft on 10/29/2021

30.66 ft on 02/02/2020

Historic Crest Levels:

69.30 ft on 01/01/1815

42.21 ft on 10/21/2003

41.57 ft on 11/29/1995

40.80 ft on 11/27/1949

40.20 ft on 11/10/1990

Please exercise caution and avoid driving through water over roadways, even if no 'Road Closed' sign is present. It only takes a small amount of water to pose a significant danger to drivers and passengers.

Your safety is our top priority. Please stay vigilant, follow the guidance of local authorities, and take necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of your family.

Monitor river levels through the National Weather Service here. If you have questions or are unsure about where to go, contact the Skagit County Department of Emergency Management at 360-416-1892. The River Level Hotline is 360-416-1404.