Record Flooding in Washington Forces Over 100,000 to Evacuate

More than 100,000 residents in western Washington were ordered to evacuate as intense rainfall pushed the Skagit and Snohomish Rivers to historic flood levels, surpassing records set in 1990. Emergency officials described the situation as unprecedented, with entire communities submerged, roads washed out, and critical infrastructure like levees and dams strained to breaking point. The rising waters swamped farms, homes, and towns, including major risk zones like Mount Vernon, Snohomish, and Monroe.

For insurance claims adjusters, this flooding event represents a convergence of multiple high-risk elements: atmospheric river conditions, floodplain saturation, and compromised infrastructure. Adjusters operating in the region should anticipate extensive claims involving property inundation, equipment loss, and livestock impacts, as seen with one farm that evacuated cattle to its last remaining dry ground.

Adjusters should also be aware of ongoing risks even after waters recede. Structural damage to homes, hidden mold growth, and claims related to emergency evacuations and business interruption—such as closures in downtown Snohomish—will likely escalate. The continued rain forecast and risk of landslides complicate recovery, suggesting longer claim cycles and more complex documentation needs. With comparisons already being made to the large-scale Los Angeles evacuations earlier this year, this disaster underscores the need for proactive claims strategy in high-flood-risk zones.