Last updated December 17, 2025

Recent flooding caused by a notably active atmospheric river has affected communities across Washington State, including ours. Currently, the most significant local impacts that we know of are in eastern Lewis County, particularly around Packwood, though conditions may continue to change as response efforts continue. Community Foundation staff will continue to update this story as new information and resources become available.

What We Know

Western Washington is experiencing significant flooding and ongoing emergency efforts following a powerful atmospheric river that has brought heavy rain to the region. State and local emergency officials, supported by federal and volunteer partners, are actively responding as rivers continue to rise, and the situation keeps evolving.  

Across the state, rivers such as the Cowlitz, Skagit, and Snohomish reached major flood stages, while local flood watches and advisories were issued for counties including Lewis, Mason, and Thurston (Source). In our part of the South Sound region, impacts have varied—with some areas seeing significant river rises and precautionary alerts, and others experiencing localized flooding and infrastructure challenges.  

Local news reports highlight that river levels around Packwood and Randle in eastern Lewis County rose dramatically, with rivers double-cresting and prompting emergency declarations and response efforts (Source). In Thurston County, a flood watch was issued, and the Emergency Coordination Center was activated as the atmospheric river delivered several inches of rain to the area (Source). Like nearby areas, Mason County has seen an elevated risk of water impacts tied to the same weather patterns, though localized reporting is still developing.

Local Response Efforts

Emergency response efforts in Lewis County are being led by county government. In addition, the following organizations are supporting response efforts:  

American Red Cross of South Puget Sound & the Olympics
The Red Cross is providing shelter, food, and essential services to those displaced by flooding, working with local partners on the ground. Their network helps people access warm spaces, sustenance, and information as conditions change. We currently know that about 15 people are in the shelter, with space for more individuals to shelter in place. Donate here.  

United Way of Lewis County Emergency Response Fund
United Way of Lewis County has activated its emergency response fund to help residents affected by flooding, working alongside Lewis County Emergency Management to support recovery and relief. Donate here.  

Neighboring Response Efforts

Much of the severe flooding is occurring further north, including in Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. For those looking to support response efforts in those areas, here are a few organizations we've verified that are involved in response and coordination, including trusted community foundation partners in those regions.  

• Community Foundation of Snohomish County is providing emergency funding to local nonprofits in areas affected by flooding. Boeing has also donated $250,000 to this organization. Donate here.  

• Skagit County Community Foundation has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to provide rapid, coordinated support for emerging needs in Skagit County. Donate here.  

• Whatcom Community Foundation has a Resilience Fund that provides emergency assistance, including financial support, food, and shelter, to nonprofits, churches, and community organizations that are providing aid to those impacted by the floods in Whatcom County. Donate here.

• The American Red Cross of the Northwest Region is providing timely response efforts and sharing information about shelters across the region. Click here to learn more and support these regional efforts.  

• United Ways of the Pacific Northwest has enacted its disaster recovery efforts, which include a Disaster Recovery Fund and resources for disaster preparedness and emergency response numbers. Click here to view how they are responding to the current situation and to give to the fund.

How You Can Help

If you're looking for ways to support response efforts, financial contributions are the most effective way to do so right now. Unrestricted gifts allow response organizations to meet the most urgent needs as conditions evolve.  

At this stage, many agencies cannot accept donated goods due to limited storage and staffing capacity. If that changes, we will share information about organizations that can receive in-kind donations.  

Stay Connected

If you have questions about how to help or information about ongoing response efforts, please get in touch with us by email at info@thecommunityfoundation.com—together we can support our neighbors through this evolving emergency.