Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus urged residents to avoid flooded areas and prepare for worsening conditions on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, saying the region is experiencing “historic” and exhausting rainfall that is straining local infrastructure and river systems across Western Washington.
In her statement, Backus said the days of relentless rain have created dangerous conditions, with rivers rising, roads closing and crews working continuously to protect homes and critical routes.
“The rain we’ve seen over these last several days is historic and for many it’s much more. It’s scary, exhausting and unforgiving,” Backus said. “Please know that we see you, and we’re working right alongside you to keep our community safe.”
Backus said Auburn’s Emergency Management team, Public Works crews, Communications staff, first responders and regional partners are “working around the clock” to monitor river levels and dam releases, reinforce flood barriers, close unsafe roads and push out verified updates.
She also thanked residents for checking on neighbors and sharing accurate information.
“This is what Auburn truly is, neighbors helping neighbors, as we’ve always done,” Backus said.
Backus expressed concern for communities across the region, including Skagit County areas under “go now” evacuation orders due to catastrophic flooding. She urged anyone with loved ones in affected counties to encourage them to follow local emergency guidance.
The mayor warned that today’s conditions could worsen as water levels continue to rise. She asked residents to obey all road closure signs and avoid driving or walking through flooded areas. “Turn around, don’t drown,” she said.
City resources are available at auburnwa.gov/flood, including sandbag locations, shelter information and updated closure maps. Residents can also follow the city on Facebook or call the non-emergency line at 253-288-2121 for assistance.
“As with everything we do, we will get through this together, Auburn,” Backus said.
Here’s Backus’ full statement:
“It’s hard to fully capture in writing what we’re living through right now. The rain we’ve seen over these last several days is historic – and for many, it’s much more: it’s scary, exhausting and unforgiving. Please know that we see you, and we’re working right alongside you to keep our community safe.
“Our Emergency Management team, Public Works crews, Communications, first responders, and regional partners are working around the clock – watching river levels and dam releases, closing unsafe roads, reinforcing flood barriers, and getting information out as quickly as we can. I am deeply grateful for their work, and for all of you who are checking on neighbors, sharing accurate information, and looking out for one another. This is what Auburn truly is – neighbors helping neighbors, as we’ve always done. I seriously can’t thank you all enough.
“My heart is also with our neighbors across Western Washington, especially those in Skagit County and other communities facing catastrophic flooding and “go now” evacuation orders. Please keep them in your thoughts, and if you have loved ones there, encourage them to follow local guidance and stay safe. We’re not out of this storm yet and today could bring even higher water levels and flooding across the region. I am hoping and praying for the best, and our teams are actively planning and preparing for whatever comes.
“In Auburn, please continue to avoid flooded areas, obey all “Road Closed” signs, and remember: Turn around, don’t drown. For updates on closures, sandbags, and shelter options, visit auburnwa.gov/flood, give us a follow on Facebook, or call our non-emergency line at 253-288-2121. Our teams are pushing out accurate, vetted information as it becomes available.
“As with everything we do, we will get through this together, Auburn. Thank you.”
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