Burlington Floods: Evacuations, Rescue Missions, and Rising Concerns

The river that has long been a staple of Washington’s agricultural heartland turned against the city of Burlington on Thursday, flooding homes, forcing thousands to evacuate, and leaving authorities scrambling to keep residents safe.

A Sudden Surge

Eddie Wicks and his wife were preparing to sleep in their house next to the Snoqualmie River on a farm famous for sunflower mazes and Christmas trees. After 30 years in Duvall, a city that had taught them how to survive floods, they had confidence in their experience. Yet the water rose faster than any of their past encounters. Wicks told reporters, “It was hours, not days. In four hours it had to come up 4 feet.”

Rescue Operations

As the floodwaters engulfed their home on Thursday afternoon, deputies from the King County Sheriff’s Office marine rescue dive unit sprang into action. They rescued the Wicks family and their dog, then ferried them on a boat across the field that had turned into a lake, a distance of about half a mile (800 meters). The swift response prevented any injuries.

Flooding Across the Region

The flooding was part of an unusually strong atmospheric river that dumped a foot (30 centimeters) or more of rain across western and central Washington over several days. Rivers swelled, communities were inundated, and dramatic rescues unfolded from rooftops and vehicles. Photos and videos show entire neighborhoods flooded, highways closed by debris and mudslides, and roads and bridges washed out.

Government Response

President Donald Trump signed Washington’s request for an emergency declaration, according to Gov. Bob Ferguson. Officials issued “go now” orders on Wednesday to tens of thousands in the Skagit River flood plain, including Burlington, which has about 10,000 residents. By Friday morning, muddy water overflowed a slough and rushed into homes, prompting more urgent warnings.

National Guard Involvement

Early Friday, National Guard members knocked on hundreds of doors in Burlington to inform residents of the evacuation notice and help transport them to a shelter. By late morning, the evacuation order was lifted for part of the city and waters were slowly receding.

Levee Concerns and Future Rain

Crews worked through the night to fill a sinkhole on a levee along the Green River in Tukwila, County Executive Girmay Zahilay said. Authorities warned that waters will remain high for days, with potential levee failures or mudslides still posing danger. Robert Ezelle, director of the Washington Military Department’s emergency management division, said rain arriving Sunday will cause rivers to rise again.

Skagit River Highlights

The Skagit River, which drains the Cascade Range and passes through farmlands and tulip fields to Puget Sound, crested overnight Thursday into Friday at 37 feet (11.2 meters) in Mount Vernon, surpassing the previous record by a few inches. A flood wall held fast and protected the downtown area. About 1,000 Burlington residents had to evacuate in the middle of the night, Ferguson said. Police spokesperson Michael Lumpkin reported that water was 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) deep in certain areas as it flooded homes.

Community Impact

Mario Rincón, who had been staying at a hotel with his family, including a week‑old infant, returned to his Burlington property on Friday but could not get inside as murky floodwaters reached part‑way up the first floor. He said, “It’s going to be a few days before the water recedes.”

Border Towns Affected

Near the U.S.–Canada border, Sumas, Nooksack and Everson—together home to about 6,500 residents—were inundated. The border crossing at Sumas closed. Sumas Mayor Bruce Bosch wrote on social media, “Hang in there,” in response to anxious community members.

Rescue Efforts by Air and Water

Helicopters rescued two families Thursday from roofs of homes in Sumas that had been flooded, according to Frank Cain Jr., battalion chief for Whatcom County Fire District 14. Near Deming, two homes collapsed into the Nooksack River as erosion undercut them; no one was inside at the time.

Climate Context

Scientists say that without specific study they cannot directly link a single weather event to climate change, but in general it is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires. The current flooding aligns with those patterns.

Key Takeaways

• Burlington residents were evacuated after the Skagit River crested to a record 37 feet.
• The King County Sheriff’s Office rescued the Wicks family within hours of the flood.
• National Guard, National Guard, and local crews worked to secure levees and provide shelter.

The floods have left the city and surrounding areas grappling with rising waters, potential levee failures, and the looming threat of additional rain. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and urge residents to remain cautious as the waters slowly recede.