Flood sirens sounding in Sumas; Everson residents urged to seek higher ground
Sumas officials prepared to sound their flood siren as darkness loomed Wednesday afternoon and the raging Nooksack River topped its banks in Everson, approaching record levels as torrential rain from an atmospheric river fell for a second straight day.
Both Sumas and Everson officials were urging residents north of the river to move to higher ground.
“Leave as soon as possible. The amount of time it takes for the water to reach Sumas can vary, and the evacuation routes out of Sumas will be closed once the water reaches them,” the city of Sumas said in an online alert at 3:34 p.m. Wednesday.
In Everson, officials issued a voluntary evacuation notice for areas of Everson north of the Nooksack River bridge about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“Emerson Road is closed due to water overtopping. Main Street will close within the next two hours. Additional road closures and impacts will be announced as conditions change. No mandatory evacuations at this time, but residents in affected areas should prepare and consider leaving early,” the city said on its Facebook page.
The Nooksack River was at moderate flood stage of above 148 feet and rising Wednesday near Nugents Corner, according to the Northwest River Forecast Center. A crest was expected early Thursday at a record height of 150 feet, flowing at more than 62,000 feet per second.
Whatcom County’s Division of Emergency Management said there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries from the storm.
At least three shelters were being opened:
- North County Christ the King, 1816 18th Street, Lynden.
- Sonlight Church, 8800 Bender Road, Lynden.
- The United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington St., the same location as the city’s cold weather shelter.
Lighthouse Mission Ministries at 1312 F St. in Bellingham was also ready to take in flood victims.
“We have capacity and are welcoming those who need overnight shelter due to flooding. Extremely wet conditions are hard for anyone living outdoors or forced to evacuate due to flooding,” Lighthouse Mission’s Brittany Hargrove said in an emailed statement. “Also, we are always prepared to accept individuals that first responders bring to our doors,” Hargrove said. “We’re ready to activate additional emergency overnight shelter beds as needed.”
This story was originally published December 10, 2025 at 4:39 PM.
