Washington state governor declares emergency amid heavy rains and floods

Washington state's Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday due to heavy rains and flooding caused by an atmospheric river. The declaration allows the state to seek federal funds and provides flexibility for a rapid response. Ferguson requested an expedited emergency declaration from the federal government and activated the state's national guard, with hundreds of members ready to assist. The heavy rain is causing rivers across the state, from Mount Rainier to Mount Baker, to rise to near-record levels, threatening homes and livestock. While the worst of the rain has shifted north of Oregon's Willamette Valley, western Washington rivers are still rising, prompting warnings for residents to avoid driving through floodwaters.

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