Heavy rain causes flooding, road closures in northwest Washington

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — Heavy rain over the past few days has caused widespread flooding and road closures in northwest Washington.

While the flood watch that was in effect for western Washington has ended, the National Weather Service said some rivers remain above flood stage: the Skagit River near Mount Vernon, the Skokomish River at Potlach, the White River near Auburn, the Nooksack at Ferndale, the Snoqualmie River near Carnation and the Snohomish River near Monroe and at Snohomish.

The heaviest rains and strongest winds are over, according to the National Weather Service.

Areas of Whatcom and Snohomish counties were hit the hardest.

In response, the American Red Cross opened a flood evacuation shelter in the Marietta area, west of Bellingham, due to flooding from the Nooksack River. The shelter is at Cordata Presbyterian Church in Bellingham, located at 400 Meadowbrook Court. Residents forced to evacuate are encouraged to bring medication, extra clothing, blankets and anything else they may need for infants or small children.

Nooksack Valley School District officials announced Sunday that all schools will be closed Monday due to the flooding in the area.

The flooding also temporarily closed the U.S.-Canada border crossing at Sumas.

Many roads in Snohomish County were closed due to flooding Saturday, and the sheriff’s office said the closures may extend through Sunday.

The rains also caused a landslide on northbound I-5 near Bellingham on Saturday, closing the road for several hours.

© 2020 Cox Media Group