County responders are comparing this flood event to the severe flooding of 2009, when both the Skagit and Samish rivers overflowed and caused damage to homes, farms and infrastructure, according to a news release from the county.
Skagit County Unified Command suggests residents in flood-prone areas be prepared to protect their property within the next 12 to 24 hours, the release states.
The release lists several areas of concern, including Samish River Park, Cascade River Road, the fish hatchery area near Marblemount, Thunderbird Lane, Cape Horn and the Crow Foot area in Concrete.
New forecasts predicted the Skagit River would crest in Concrete at 38.47 feet around 8 a.m. Monday, and should fall below flood stage by Wednesday.
Flood stage is 28 feet.
As the water makes its way down the Skagit River, people should expect flooding in Sedro-Woolley, Burlington and Mount Vernon. Forecasts show the river should crest in Mount Vernon at 37.59 feet Tuesday morning.
Overnight winds felled trees throughout the county, particularly on Highway 20 and South Skagit Highway, according to a news release from the county.
As of 8:30 a.m. Monday, Puget Sound Energy was reporting thousands of customers throughout the county were without power.
The National Weather Service is warning of an increased risk of landslides in western Skagit County as a result of continued rainfall and heavy wind.
The Red Cross opened an evacuation shelter at the Hamilton Baptist Church, after residents of Hamilton evacuated Sunday.
The church at 797 Hamilton Cemetery Road can hold 35 people. Blankets, cots, prepackaged meals and snacks will be provided while supplies last.
Updated river forecasts can be found online at skagitcounty.net/flood or by calling the River Level Hotline at 360-416-1404.
Residents who are unsure where to go can contact the county Department of Emergency Management at 360-416-1892.
— Reporter Brandon Stone: bstone@skagitpublishing.com, 360-416-2112, Twitter: @Brandon_SVH
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