Historic flooding: Skagit County - Need to know

SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — KIRO 7 is keeping a close eye on the communities impacted by record flooding as Washington is under a state of emergency.

As of 9 p.m. on December 16, here is a look at the evacuations, displacements, and cleanup efforts in Skagit County according to Skagit County Emergency Operations:

Information

The Skagit River has crested in Concrete and Mount Vernon at historic levels, leading to vast flooding across the Skagit Valley. The river crested at 41.1 feet in Concrete on Thursday at 6:45 a.m. and at 37.73 feet in Mount Vernon on Friday at 12:15 a.m.

Flooding along Gages Slough led to additional evacuation notices in the City of Burlington on Friday morning.

Several days later, the county is still under a food watch. A flood warning for the Skagit River near Mount Vernon remains in effect.

As of Dec. 16, these are the latest evacuation orders:

All of Skagit County in the 100-year floodplain is in Level 2: “Get Set” and should have their go kit ready, know their evacuation route, and be prepared for potential evacuation.
In the Town of Concrete, there are eight homes that are under a Level 3: “Go Now” evacuation due to risk for additional landslides. This is on the Knot Hill – Eriksen Pl Slide.
There are 32 homes that are under a Level 2: “Get Set” evacuation due to risk for additional earth movement resulting in a landslide. This is the Burpee Hill Slide.

As floodwaters recede, Skagit County urges residents to proceed with caution. Residents may return home if routes are open and safe for travel and their home is not currently affected by flooding. There are still neighborhoods and towns that are flooded and unsafe for return.

Emergency operators are continuing to respond to the flood event. Those who still need resources such as shelter information can visit the Skagit County incident page: http://www.skagitcounty.net/flood

The National Weather Service is monitoring additional atmospheric rivers forecasted to hit Skagit County starting Sunday evening through Wednesday. These storms could cause additional flood events, especially as the river will not be able to fully recede by Sunday. Residents should be prepared for additional information regarding these weather events.

Safety Reminders

Respect all road closure signs. Refer to the live Skagit County road closure map here: http://www.skagitcounty.net/flood
Do not drive through any water over roadways.
Stay out of floodwater. It can be contaminated, contain dangerous debris, and hide other hazards. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.

Shelters

The Skagit County Emergency Operations Center is coordinating shelters with local organizations, churches, towns, and the American Red Cross. Shelters and parking are on a first-come, first-served basis. Here are the locations that remain open:

Family Promise at Central United Methodist Church

Address: 1013 Polte Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Contact: 360-854-0743
Pets will be accommodated if possible.

Inspire Church

Address: 59850 State Route 20, Marblemount, WA
Contact: 360-445-1140
Notes: Pets can be accommodated at this shelter
ADA accessible

Bethany Covenant Church – Red Cross Shelter

Address: 1318 S 18th St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Contact: 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)
Pets are not allowed at this shelter

LDS Church

Address: 1700 E Hazel St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Contact: 253-820-8876
Notes: Pets cannot be accommodated at this shelter

Hamilton First Baptist Church

Address: 797 Hamilton Cemetery Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Contact:360 826 3307
Notes: Pets can be accommodated on a case by case basis, ADA accessible

Parking Lots for Vehicles Only

Silo Park, Parking Lot

Address: 7503 N Superior, Concrete, WA

Parking Lot behind Superior Building

Address: 45418 Main Street, Concrete, WA

Concrete Community Center

Address: 45821 Railroad Avenue, Concrete, WA

RV Parking

Bakerview Park parking lot

Address: 3101 East Fir Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Available for fully self-contained RVs only, no facilities or hookups.

Skagit Speedway

Address: 4796 Old Highway 99 North; Burlington WA 98233

Helpful Links and Information

For updated river forecasts, call the River Level Hotline at (360) 416-1404.
Current river levels:

Those in need of sandbags can reach email dem@co.skagit.wa or call (360) 416-2090. For more information on sandbag locations, click here.
Visit ready.gov/kit for tips on how to build your GO! kit.
Livestock Information:

Shelter for livestock is available at the Sedro-Woolley Rodeo Grounds located at 24538 Polte Rd, Sedro-Woolley. For questions, call: 360-421-9468.
If you need help making arrangements for your livestock, you can contact Skagit Animals in Need (SAIN) at info@skagitanimalsinneed.org or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SkagitAnimalsInNeed
Darrington Rodeo Grounds is located at 42109 State Route 530 NE, Darrington, WA 98241. Cannot accommodate household pets, small animals, or swine. Contact: 425-407-2899