Washington State Floods: Impacts, Recovery, and Resources for Residents

The recent flooding across Washington has disrupted daily life for many families and neighborhoods, particularly in parts of Skagit, Whatcom, Snohomish, and King counties, where rising rivers and heavy rainfall led to evacuations, road closures, and property damage.

At Redfin, our hearts are with everyone impacted by the Washington state floods. Below, we’ve gathered trusted resources to help residents stay safe, access recovery and housing support, and find ways to support their communities through these times.

Immediate safety: what to know right now

Floodwaters can remain dangerous long after the storms pass, and conditions can change quickly as rivers recede, making it important to stay cautious and rely on official guidance from local authorities before traveling, returning home, or assessing damage.

If you need state-specific information, the following trusted sources offer up-to-date alerts, flood status reports, and guidance on what to expect in the hours and days ahead:

• National Weather Service: Real-time watches, warnings, and flood forecasts
• NWS Washington flood safety overview: State-focused updates and information on current flood risks

These pages explain how to interpret flood alerts, what types of hazards may persist after storms, and what agencies recommend during and after a flood event. For the most accurate and timely information, check these official resources regularly as conditions evolve.

Where to get immediate assistance

If you or someone you know has been displaced or needs help right now, the following organizations and programs can connect you with immediate support and essential services.

Emergency shelter and assistance

For residents who have been displaced or need immediate support, emergency shelter and essential services are available through American Red Cross – Washington Flood Support.

The Red Cross is on the ground in flood-affected communities providing:

• Safe emergency shelter.
• Meals and water.
• Blankets and basic supplies for families in need.

If you’re displaced, the Red Cross can help connect you to nearby shelter options and partner services.

Local flood response and community support

Local agencies and community organizations are often the best place to find timely, county-specific help. If you’re affected by flooding, start with the resources below based on where you live.

Skagit County

Community Action of Skagit County is coordinating flood response and recovery efforts across the county. 

Their resource hub includes:

• Sandbag distribution and flood protection guidance.
• Food, hygiene supplies, and community support services.
• Utility and rental assistance.
• Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP) information.

Whatcom County

Residents in Whatcom County can find local flood updates, evacuation guidance, and emergency resources HERE, through county emergency management and partner agencies.

Snohomish County

For Snohomish County residents, local emergency management agencies provide flood alerts, preparedness guidance, and recovery resources. Residents can find information on road closures, evacuation notices, and available support services HERE.

King County

The King County Flood Control District offers tools and information to help residents prepare for and respond to flooding, including:

• Flood risk maps and alerts.
• Preparedness and evacuation planning tools.
• Sandbag locations and flood response updates.

Federal and state assistance programs

In addition to local resources, state and federal programs may be available to help residents recover from flood-related losses and disruptions, including temporary housing assistance, help with home repairs, disaster unemployment support, and low-interest loans for individuals and small businesses.

Disaster assistance (FEMA and more)

Residents affected by the Washington floods may qualify for federal support if a disaster declaration is issued. This can include:

• Temporary housing assistance.
• Grants for home repairs and essential needs.
• Low-interest disaster loans.
• Unemployment support after disaster-related job loss.

Apply or check eligibility at Disaster Assistance. This official portal is where you can start an application, check assistance programs, or find documents needed to support your claims.

Housing, insurance, and recovery steps

If your home was damaged in the Washington state floods, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Getting a head start with a few key steps can help you move forward and access the support you may need.

Document everything

• Before cleanup, take photos and videos of damage.
• Save invoices and receipts for repairs or temporary lodging.
• Keep track of all communications with contractors or insurers.

Flood insurance

Most homeowner and renter policies do not cover flood damage unless you have a separate policy. If you’re unsure:

• Check your flood zone and risk at FEMA’s map service (flood map) and consider flood insurance if you don’t already have it.
• Visit FloodSmart.gov to learn about flood coverage options.

How to support your neighbors

Recovery doesn’t happen all at once, and you don’t have to be directly affected to make a real difference. Here are meaningful and compassionate ways to help those impacted.

1. Monetary donations

Several local organizations are accepting financial and in-kind donations to support communities affected by the Washington floods:

• Skagit Community Foundation: Provides flexible funding for emergency needs including food, shelter, and recovery support.
• United Way of Skagit County: Supports immediate and long-term recovery efforts in partnership with local organizations and first responders.
• Skagit First Step Center and Skagit Friendship House: Accepting financial and material donations; blankets can be dropped off at 465 Pease Road, Burlington.
• American Red Cross – Northwest Chapter: Providing emergency shelter and support for displaced residents, including a shelter in Mount Vernon.
• Whatcom Community Foundation: Supports organizations providing direct aid and long-term recovery assistance in Whatcom County.
  https://www.whatcomcf.org
• Family Promise of Skagit Valley: Accepting in-kind donations for its emergency flood shelter; drop-offs at Central United Methodist Church, Sedro-Woolley.
• Twin Sisters Mobile Market: Fundraising to support Mariposa Farm and contributing proceeds to broader flood recovery efforts.

2. Volunteer opportunities

Organized volunteer efforts can provide meaningful help without overwhelming response teams. If you’re looking to get involved, consider the following options:

• Local community action agencies that coordinate food distribution, shelter support, and recovery services, such as Community Action of Skagit County and United Way of Skagit County.
• County emergency management offices offering sanctioned sandbagging, cleanup events, and official volunteer needs:
  • Skagit County Emergency Management
  • Whatcom County Emergency Management
  • Snohomish County Emergency Management
  • King County Emergency Management

• Disaster-response organizations and volunteer platforms, including the American Red Cross and VolunteerMatch, which connect volunteers with approved opportunities.

Avoid self-deploying to flood-affected areas unless invited by an official agency. Coordinated volunteer efforts help ensure safety and that support reaches communities where it’s most needed.

3. Donate supplies

If local shelters or response groups put out a specific needs list (e.g., diapers, pet food, bottled water), those items are most helpful. Uncoordinated supply drop-offs can sometimes burden local staff.

4. Spread reliable information

Help your networks find accurate, up-to-date guidance by sharing:

• Local evacuation and shelter info.
• State and federal assistance links.
• Safety guidance from official sources.

Reliable information reduces stress and confusion during recovery.

Wildlife and animals affected by the Washington floods

Flooding doesn’t just impact people and homes, it can also displace wildlife and put pets and livestock at risk. During and after the Washington floods, animals may move into unfamiliar areas as they search for higher ground.

What to know:

• Wildlife may appear in neighborhoods or roadways.
• Floodwater can be contaminated and unsafe for animals.
• Stressed or injured animals may behave unpredictably.
  

If you encounter wildlife, keep your distance and avoid trying to rescue animals yourself. Contact your local Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) office or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.

For pets and livestock:

• Evacuate animals when possible and include them in emergency plans.
• Keep pets away from standing water.
• Watch for signs of illness or injury after flooding.
  

Those looking to help can support local animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or pet-focused relief efforts assisting animals displaced by the Washington state floods.

Mental health and emotional support for the Washington floods

Experiencing flooding and displacement can take a toll not just physically, but emotionally as well. Stress, anxiety, grief, and exhaustion are common reactions during and after a disaster — and support is available.

If you or someone you know is struggling, these resources can help:

• 988 duicide and crisis lifeline: Free, confidential support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, or chatting online at 988lifeline.org.
• Washington State Crisis Connections: local crisis intervention and emotional support services across Washington.
• American Red Cross – Disaster Mental Health Support: emotional support services for people affected by disasters and can help connect residents to additional resources.

By dialing 211 or visiting wa211.org, residents can find connections to mental health services, housing support, food assistance, and other local resources.

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