SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Skagit County faces near-record flooding starting tomorrow, and the county is urging residents in certain areas to begin evacuations sooner rather than later.

Major flooding is expected from Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening. The Skagit River is forecast to crest at over 40ft. in Concrete on Thursday morning and nearly 37 ft. in Mount Vernon early on Friday with levels near historic records.

The National Weather Service in Seattle (NWS) has issued a flood warning for Skagit County until further notice. If you live in flood-prone areas, make evacuation plans immediately.

Communities often impacted include:

  • Marblemount
  • Rockport
  • Thunderbird Lane
  • El municipio de Concrete
  • Cape Horn
  • Birdsview
  • El municipio de Hamilton
  • Cockerham
  • El municipio de Lyman
  • Day Creek

Arrange now for pets and livestock. If you need extra time, leave sooner rather than later.

The Skagit County Emergency Operations Center is working with the Red Cross to open a shelter in East County for those displaced.

Expect water over roads and never drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown. Follow all road closure signs and stay tuned for updates.

For more information, visit Skagit County’s website or check for live updates here.