Western Washington faced heavy flooding this week due to an atmospheric river bringing heavy rain. Major rivers peaked on Thursday, causing widespread flood damage and forcing evacuations. The Skagit River was forecast to crest on Friday morning, keeping a Flash Flood Watch active. Governor Bob Ferguson said the historic flooding could delay the state budget release planned next week. “The original plan was to release the budget this next week; you know, we’re not sure we’ll meet that, given the events of the past few days,” Ferguson said at a press event in Tukwila. He added, “The good news is, most of the work had been completed before this crisis arrived, but there are still some decisions that need to be made […] I don’t want to say exactly when that will be […] but we’ll meet our deadline.” Ferguson spoke alongside King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and US Senator Maria Cantwell. The Trump administration approved a disaster declaration for Washington, unlocking federal funds to aid recovery. Cantwell praised first responders and highlighted the economic impact of closures like Highway 2 and a key border crossing at Sumas, saying, “[It’s] supposed to be a 100-year event, but it hasn’t been 100 years since the last time we had this.” Several roads remain closed, including US-12 near Porter West after a landslide blocked the highway. Burlington partially lifted evacuation orders for residents west of the railroad tracks. Sedro-Woolley imposed a temporary flight restriction, banning personal drones in the hardest-hit areas. Meanwhile, Chelan County crews restored power overnight, but 3,834 customers remain without electricity. Governor Ferguson confirmed President Trump signed the emergency declaration early Friday, with further updates scheduled at a news conference. The state and local authorities continue managing the response to this severe weather emergency.