Flood update from Executive Somers

Snohomish County, Washington sent this bulletin at 12/18/2025 05:15 PM PST

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Working together during historic flooding

The last couple of weeks have been devastating for many. We’ve faced historic flooding, high wind, and sodden hillsides that increase slide risk. Clean-up and recovery efforts will extend long after flood waters recede.

Through all of this, I have been reminded of the resilience of our community. People here pull together to help one another. Agencies throughout the county have coordinated on an intensive emergency response. Friends and neighbors offered help, from filling sandbags to transporting livestock out of flood-prone areas. One of the most common questions we get is “how can I help,” and organizations stepped up to channel that giving spirit. Community Foundation of Snohomish County made a portal available for donations, Economic Alliance Snohomish County rounded up business resources, Boeing Charitable Trust announced a $500,000 donation for recovery efforts, and Community Transit and Volunteers of America are hosting a Stuff the Bus event to gather holiday gifts. That’s just some of the good work happening right now.

I want to thank everyone who has put their time, talents, funds, and care toward helping our community in this difficult time. In particular, thank you to the many county employees and partner agencies who have been engaged around-the-clock in the emergency response.

I encourage people to follow safety guidance and take care of themselves and their loved ones. Check https://bit.ly/snocoflooding for the latest information.

Executive Somers and other elected leaders stand in a group listening to a first responder speak

Local, state and federal leaders hear from first responders during a tour of flood-impacted areas near Snohomish and Monroe on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Report Damages

An online survey is available to help residents report damage from the historic flooding that occurred on local river systems during a series of weather events starting Dec. 9. The survey can be accessed at https://bit.ly/SnoCo-Damage-Report by clicking the “Flood Damage Survey” button. It will remain open through Dec. 31, 2025.

I urge people to prioritize their safety as they re-enter previously flooded areas, and to carefully document their damages. Please fill out the survey. Gathering this information from residents and businesses will be crucial as recovery efforts continue. Be sure to thoroughly document damage with lots of photos, notes and lists, and save receipts from repairs.

Need help with the survey? Find in-person support:

3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, Evergreen State Fair Park, Longhouse Building 14405 179th Ave. SE, Monroe

11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, Startup Event Center 14315 366th Ave. SE, Startup

Assistance is also available during business hours by contacting Emergency Management directly: 425-388-5060, or email here. Phone support will be unavailable Christmas Day.

Resources

For Households: Dispose of flood-damaged items at no cost

The Snohomish County Solid Waste Flood Voucher Program allows residents to dispose of flood-damaged items at no charge at county solid waste facilities. This program is specifically for households impacted by the recent flooding and is in effect until Jan. 18, 2026. Formal documentation or proof of damage is not required, though addresses will be recorded when vouchers are redeemed. Items that can be disposed of with vouchers include carpets, mattresses, clothes, furniture, water-soaked plasterboard, appliances (except for refrigerators and freezers), and incidental paint and small amounts of household hazardous waste. Vouchers do not cover discarding wood waste, yard debris, rocks or soils, concrete or demolition debris, or large animal carcasses.

Learn more on the County’s Solid Waste webpage, or pick up your voucher in-person at one of the damage reporting events (see previous article in this newsletter).

Financial and disaster assistance

The American Red Cross is providing emergency financial assistance and recovery services to individuals and households affected by flooding in Washington State. Assistance may include help with immediate needs such as temporary housing, food, essential items, basic health services, and other recovery-related expenses. Eligible households may be contacted directly by the Red Cross or can learn more about available support and enrollment by visiting the Red Cross 2025 Washington Floods Financial Assistance page.

Food replacement and emergency cash for basic needs

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) allows residents who receive basic food benefits (SNAP/EBT) to request replacement benefits for food that was lost because of recent flooding or extended power outages. To qualify, you must report the loss within 10 days and contact DSHS to request replacement benefits.

Disaster cash assistance also may be available to households affected by flooding. Call DSHS Customer Service at 877-501-2233 or visit a local DSHS Community Services Office during business hours.

For Farmers: Find flood recovery support

The USDA Farm Services Agency has several emergency relief programs that can help with post-flood recovery, including the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, and emergency farm loans. Learn more on our Flood Recovery Support for Farmers webpage.

For Businesses: Check out this resource list

Economic Alliance of Snohomish County has compiled a list of resources for businesses during natural disasters, with an emphasis on flooding assistance. This list is not comprehensive and may not include all resources available, but each has been vetted and approved by the Snohomish County Economic Development Department. With active flooding in our region, this page will continue to post updates.

More resources

See this list compiled by our Human Services team.

Image of flooding with text that says, "Flood voucher program available"

How to Help

Donate or Volunteer

There are a variety of options for those who can give time, funds, or supplies. Please see the list below for some ideas.

The Community Foundation of Snohomish County is accepting financial donations online to their local emergency fund to support nonprofits in affected areas.
The Evergreen State Fair Park is accepting donations for animal bedding and shavings as well as monetary donations to support the free animal stabling they’ve provided for hundreds of animals during flooding.
Volunteer at or donate money or unopened holiday gifts to the Stuff a Bus event on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Snohomish Station Shopping Center near Fred Meyer.
Donate to a local food bank. People should throw out any food that has been contaminated by floodwater, and households face financial strain as they clean up and repair damage. This means food banks are likely to see increased need. Find a map of food bank locations to give to from the Snohomish County Food Coalition.
The American Red Cross accepts volunteers for their disaster relief services, and also accepts donations.
Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue accepts donations, as well.

Support Local Businesses

Multiple communities anticipate long-term economic challenges due to flood damage. With the closure of Highway 2 into the Cascades toward Leavenworth and Stevens Pass, Snohomish County towns and cities along that route could see decreased traffic and business activity.

Through the holidays and as we head into 2026, I urge people to look for opportunities to support businesses in these areas. At this time, it is unclear when the damaged stretch of highway will reopen.