Skagit County Second Storm Warning

Second Storm Warning: How Skagit County Homeowners Can Protect Their Property Before Round Two

The first atmospheric river broke records. The second one arrives tonight.

Starting Sunday evening, December 15, another wave of heavy rain and wind will hit Western Washington. Forecasters expect this system to continue through Wednesday. For Skagit County homeowners who just survived historic flooding, this is not the news anyone wanted to hear.

The Skagit River has not yet dropped below flood stage. The ground is completely saturated. Drainage systems are already overwhelmed. Homes that took water last week are still drying. And now more rain is coming.

This guide covers everything you need to do in the next 24 hours to protect your property. Whether your home flooded last week or stayed dry, whether you are still displaced or back in your house, there are specific steps you can take right now to minimize damage from round two.

Why This Second Storm Is More Dangerous Than It Looks

The forecast calls for 2 to 4 inches of rain through Wednesday. That sounds manageable. It is not. Here is why this storm poses serious flood risk even with moderate rainfall totals.

Saturated Ground Cannot Absorb More Water

Soil acts like a sponge. In normal conditions, rainfall soaks into the ground before running off into rivers and streams. But the sponge is full. After two atmospheric rivers dumped record rainfall last week, the ground across Skagit County is completely saturated. Every drop that falls now runs directly into waterways.

This means rivers will rise faster than forecast models typically predict. Water that would normally take 24 hours to reach the Skagit River will arrive in 6 to 12 hours. Flash flooding becomes possible even in areas that rarely see it.

Rivers Have Not Recovered

As of Sunday morning, the Skagit River in Mount Vernon remains above 30 feet. Major flood stage starts at 32 feet. The river crested at a record 37.73 feet on Friday. It has dropped, but not nearly enough.

County officials do not expect the Skagit to fall below flood stage until late this week. That timeline assumed no additional significant rainfall. With another storm arriving, the river may not drop at all. It could rise again before it ever fully recedes.

Infrastructure Is Stressed

Levees and dikes held during last week’s flood, but they took a beating. Seepage was reported at multiple locations. The sustained pressure from record water levels stressed these structures in ways that may not be visible. A levee that held at 37 feet might fail at 35 feet if it was weakened by the first event.

Storm drains and culverts throughout the county are clogged with debris. Drainage ditches are full. The systems designed to move water away from homes are already operating at or beyond capacity.

Landslide Risk Is Elevated

Saturated hillsides are unstable hillsides. The National Weather Service has warned of increased landslide risk throughout Western Washington, particularly in areas with steep terrain or recent burn scars. Slides have already been reported. More rain increases the danger.

Immediate Actions: What to Do in the Next 24 Hours

You have a narrow window before conditions deteriorate. Here is what to prioritize.

Monitor Official Sources

Bookmark these resources and check them multiple times per day. The Skagit County Emergency Management page at skagitcounty.net/flood has current evacuation orders, road closures, and shelter information. The National Weather Service Seattle office issues flood watches and warnings. Skagit County remains under a Level 2 evacuation notice, meaning short-notice evacuation is likely.

Sign up for emergency alerts if you have not already. Skagit County uses the Everbridge system for emergency notifications. You can register at skagitcounty.net to receive alerts by phone, text, and email.

Prepare to Evacuate Again

If you evacuated last week and just returned home, prepare to leave again. Pack essentials now while conditions are calm. Important documents. Medications. Phone chargers. Clothes for several days. Pet supplies. Do not wait for an evacuation order to start packing.

Identify your evacuation route and have a backup. Roads that were passable last week may not be this week. Check the Skagit County road closure map before you need to use it. Know where shelters are located. Have a plan for where you will go if shelters are full.

Move Vehicles and Equipment to High Ground

If your property flooded last week, get vehicles out now. Move them to higher ground before rain starts. A flooded car is often a total loss. The cost of parking somewhere safe for a few days is nothing compared to replacing a vehicle.

Same goes for any equipment, tools, or materials you are using for cleanup. Generators, pumps, fans, and other restoration equipment should be elevated or relocated. Losing your drying equipment to a second flood would be a serious setback.

Stock Emergency Supplies

Stores are open today. They may not be tomorrow. Stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, and first aid supplies. Assume you could lose power for several days. Assume roads could be impassable.

If you have a generator, fill it with fuel now. Fill your car’s gas tank. Have cash on hand in case card systems go down. Charge all devices. These basics save lives when infrastructure fails.

If Your Home Flooded Last Week: Critical Steps Before Round Two

Homes that took water are especially vulnerable. Wet materials, compromised structures, and incomplete drying create conditions where a second flood causes disproportionate damage. Here is how to protect a home that is still recovering.

Accelerate Your Drying Timeline

If you have drying equipment running, keep it running. Do not turn off dehumidifiers or air movers to save on electricity. Every hour of drying before the storm matters. The drier your home is when round two hits, the better your outcome.

If you do not have professional drying equipment yet, today may be your last chance to get it. Call restoration contractors now. Explain the urgency. Even one or two days of professional drying is better than nothing.

Remove Remaining Wet Materials

Any wet drywall, insulation, carpet, or flooring that has not been removed should come out today. These materials will absorb more water in a second flood and dramatically slow your recovery. The more you can strip down to studs and subfloor before tonight, the less damage you will face.

Focus on the lowest levels first. Basements and ground floors are most likely to flood again. Get wet materials out of these areas as priority.

Elevate What You Cannot Remove

Furniture, appliances, and belongings that survived the first flood need to be elevated. Put them on tables, counters, or upper floors. Use concrete blocks or sturdy supports to raise items off the ground. Even 12 to 18 inches of elevation can make the difference between salvageable and destroyed.

Pay special attention to anything with motors or electronics. Water heaters, furnaces, washers, dryers, and refrigerators are expensive to replace. If they cannot be moved, at least disconnect them and protect electrical connections.

Protect Your Drying Equipment

Professional dehumidifiers and air movers represent thousands of dollars in rental equipment. If your restoration company has gear in your home, talk to them about the second storm. They may want to relocate equipment to upper floors or remove it entirely until conditions stabilize.

Losing drying equipment to a second flood sets your recovery back weeks. It also means waiting for replacement equipment when every restoration company in the county is already stretched thin.

Document Current Conditions

Before the second storm, document the current state of your home. Photos and video showing what has been dried, what has been removed, and what repairs are in progress. This creates a clear record separating first flood damage from second flood damage for insurance purposes.

If you experience additional damage, you will need to prove what was already done versus what the second event caused. Clear documentation protects your claim.

If Your Home Stayed Dry: Preventive Measures That Actually Work

Your home made it through round one. That does not guarantee it will make it through round two. Here is how to improve your odds.

Sandbags: Proper Placement and Technique

Sandbags work, but only when used correctly. A single row of sandbags will not stop significant flooding. Effective sandbag barriers require multiple rows stacked in a pyramid pattern. The base should be at least three bags wide for every two feet of height.

Fill bags only halfway to two-thirds full. Overfilled bags do not stack properly and leave gaps. Fold the open end under the bag when placing. Stagger joints like brickwork. Tamp each row down before adding the next.

Focus sandbag placement on entry points: doorways, garage doors, basement windows, and any openings below expected water level. Trying to sandbag your entire property perimeter is usually impractical. Protect entry points instead.

Sandbag distribution sites may be running low. Call ahead before making a trip. Skagit County Dike Districts have been the primary distribution points. Check their status online or by phone.

Clear Drains and Gutters

Clogged drains cause flooding that has nothing to do with rivers. Walk your property and clear any debris from storm drains, culverts, and drainage ditches. Last week’s flood deposited leaves, branches, and sediment everywhere. Clear it before rain starts.

Clean your gutters and downspouts. Make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation, not toward it. Extend downspouts if necessary. Water pooling against your foundation finds its way inside.

Check Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, test it today. Pour water into the pit and verify the pump activates and removes water. Check that the discharge line is clear and draining away from your foundation.

Consider a battery backup for your sump pump. Power outages during storms are common. A sump pump that stops working when you need it most is worse than no sump pump at all. Battery backup systems cost $200 to $500 and can save your basement.

Protect Your Crawl Space

Crawl spaces flood before main floors do. If you have a crawl space, check it today. Look for standing water, wet insulation, or debris blocking vents. Clear any obstructions that could trap water.

If your crawl space has a vapor barrier, check that it is intact and properly positioned. Damaged vapor barriers allow moisture to rise into floor structures. This is also a good time to note the current condition with photos in case you need to file a claim later.

Move Valuables Now

Anything irreplaceable should go to higher ground. Family photos, important documents, heirlooms, and electronics. Move them to upper floors or take them with you if you evacuate. Assume the worst case and protect what cannot be replaced.

This includes items in garages and storage areas at ground level. These spaces often flood first and drain last. A few hours of moving boxes to higher shelves or upper floors could save thousands of dollars in losses.

If You Are Still Displaced: What You Can Do From a Distance

Thousands of Skagit County residents remain in shelters, with family, or in hotels. If you cannot access your property before the storm, here is what you can do.

Stay Informed About Your Area

Monitor conditions in your specific neighborhood. The Skagit County road closure map shows which areas are accessible. River gauge readings at water.noaa.gov show current levels at Concrete and Mount Vernon. Local news outlets are providing continuous coverage.

If you have neighbors who stayed, reach out and ask about conditions. Sometimes local information is more current than official sources.

Coordinate With Your Contractor

If you have a restoration company working on your home, call them. Discuss the second storm and their plan for protecting your property and their equipment. They may be able to take steps you cannot take remotely.

Ask specifically about drying equipment. Will they remove it before the storm? Will they elevate it? What happens if the home floods again while their equipment is inside? Get clarity on responsibilities and next steps.

Do Not Return Prematurely

The urge to check on your home is understandable. Resist it if conditions are dangerous. Driving through flooded roads kills people every year. Your property can be replaced. You cannot.

Wait for official clearance before returning. The Level 2 evacuation notice means conditions can change quickly. A route that is passable in the morning may not be passable by afternoon. Stay safe and wait for the all-clear.

During the Storm: Safety First

Once heavy rain starts, your options narrow. Here is how to stay safe while the storm passes.

Never Drive Through Flooded Roads

Turn around, don’t drown. This phrase saves lives. Six inches of moving water can knock you down. Twelve inches can carry away a small car. Two feet will float most vehicles, including trucks and SUVs.

You cannot judge water depth by looking at it. Roads wash out under floodwater. What looks like a shallow puddle may be a three-foot hole. What looks passable may have current strong enough to sweep your vehicle off the road.

Barricades exist for a reason. Driving around them is illegal and potentially fatal. First responders rescued dozens of stranded motorists last week. Do not become one of them this week.

Evacuate When Told

If authorities issue a Level 3 evacuation order for your area, leave immediately. Do not wait to gather more belongings. Do not make one more trip. Go.

Evacuation orders are issued when conditions are life-threatening. Staying behind puts you at risk and puts first responders at risk when they inevitably come to rescue you. When officials say go, go.

If Water Enters Your Home

If floodwater begins entering your home while you are inside, move to higher ground within the structure. Upper floors, not the attic. People have drowned in attics with no exit when water rose higher than expected.

Do not touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water. Do not attempt to save belongings at the expense of your safety. Things can be replaced. Focus on getting yourself and your family to safety.

Call 911 if you become trapped. Give your exact address and describe your situation. If phone lines are overwhelmed, try text messaging or social media.

After the Storm Passes: Next Steps

When the rain stops and water begins receding, your recovery process continues. Here is what to do.

Wait for Official Clearance

Do not return to an evacuated area until officials say it is safe. Floodwater can take days to fully recede. Roads that look clear may have hidden damage. Downed power lines may be hidden under water or debris.

Monitor Skagit County Emergency Management for updates on when residents can return. Be patient even when you desperately want to see your home.

Document New Damage Separately

If your home floods a second time, document it as a separate event. Different date, different photos, potentially different claim. Take photos showing a clear water line from the second flood. Note what is new damage versus what was already damaged.

Contact your insurance company to report the additional damage. Ask specifically how multiple flood events in the same week are handled. Documentation from before the second storm will be crucial for separating the two events.

Restart Drying Immediately

If your home flooded again, the 48-hour mold clock restarts. Every principle from the first flood applies to the second: extract water immediately, remove wet materials, get drying equipment running.

The challenge is that restoration companies are even more overwhelmed after a second event. Call immediately. Explain that you already have an active claim and need emergency response. Existing customers often receive priority.

Assess Cumulative Damage

Two floods in one week cause more than twice the damage of one flood. Materials that partially dried get wet again. Structural components that were stressed get stressed again. Mold that was starting gets a fresh boost of moisture.

Consider bringing in a structural engineer if your home flooded twice. The cumulative effect of repeated flooding on foundations, framing, and load-bearing walls can create safety issues that are not obvious to untrained eyes.

The Bigger Picture: What Back-to-Back Floods Mean for Skagit County

This is the second major flood event for some Skagit County communities in four years. The 2021 floods damaged an estimated 85 percent of homes in Sumas. Now many of those same homes are flooding again.

Climate scientists have been warning that events like this will become more frequent. Warmer air holds more moisture. Atmospheric rivers that once occurred every few decades now arrive multiple times per season. The infrastructure built for historical flood patterns cannot keep up with new realities.

For homeowners, this means thinking differently about flood risk. Properties that never flooded before are flooding now. Properties in the 100-year floodplain are experiencing multiple 100-year floods within a decade.

When you rebuild after this event, consider flood-resistant construction. Elevate utilities above historical flood lines. Use water-resistant materials on lower floors. Install backflow preventers. These investments cost more upfront but pay for themselves when the next flood comes.

If you do not have flood insurance, get it. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program has a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Do not wait for the next storm to purchase protection.

Take Action Now

The window for preparation is measured in hours, not days. By tonight, heavy rain will be falling. By tomorrow, the Skagit River will be rising again. What you do between now and then determines your outcome.

If your home flooded last week, accelerate drying, remove remaining wet materials, elevate valuables, and prepare to evacuate again. If your home stayed dry, clear drains, check your sump pump, deploy sandbags strategically, and move irreplaceable items to safety.

Most importantly, prioritize your safety over your property. No house is worth a life. When officials tell you to go, go.

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