NORTH SOUND, JAN. 22: During the period of Dec. 8-18, 2025, a series of warm soaking atmospheric rivers tracked through Washington state and the North Sound.
The Washington Cascade mountain range received 10 to 20 inches of rain and in some locations in Snohomish and Skagit counties, nearly 25 inches of rain was recorded during this period.
The mountains had little snowpack, and with snow levels well above 6,000 feet, the heavy amounts of rain simply ran off into rivers and streams, resulting in widespread flooding.
More than 20 rivers on both sides of the Cascades soared over flood stage, with a few exceeding previous all-time flood levels, including the Snohomish River at Snohomish.
The widespread flooding displaced families from dozens of communities just as the holiday season was approaching.
The American Red Cross jumped into action to provide shelter, warm meals, and compassionate support at this moment of great need for families and their pets.
The Red Cross issued a level 5 response, the highest level. Red Cross relief workers from across the country and local communities mobilized, most involving volunteers with more than half of them from Washington. Several hundred of these volunteers were from the Red Cross Northwest Chapter located in Everett.
Several dozen shelters were opened within a matter of hours early in the flooding event. Essentially, the Red Cross opened a “Fortune 500” company in that short time.
North Sound shelter locations included Monroe, Snohomish, and several in Whatcom and Skagit counties, including Mt. Vernon, Burlington, and Hamilton.
These shelters remained open well after the flood waters receded, providing support until families could begin recovery efforts. The final shelter in Packwood along the upper Cowlitz River closed just last week.
During this response, more than 3,000 overnight stays statewide were provided, offering thousands displaced with safety, heat, and a place to go during this period of great uncertainty. Red Cross partners, such as places of worship, schools, and many other locations, offered these shelter locations.
Nearly 30,000 meals and snacks were served or distributed. In addition, more than 9,000 clean-up kits were distributed, giving displaced residents key elements to begin their recovery.
Ten counties were declared a disaster area by local authorities and by the state, encompassing areas on both sides of the Cascades. The Red Cross supported around 1,750 households in those 10 counties.
The bulk of the Red Cross response and support involved the North Sound region from Whatcom County south to Snohomish County. As Red Cross NW Region Executive Director Alex Newman put it, “Our area was ground zero”.
Red Cross authorities described the response and mobilization as what the national mission with local impact looks like.
Local community officials, partners, and elected officials all came together to support the Red Cross efforts for many in flooded communities. Such strong ties helped fuel lifesaving work.
