Severe Flooding Washington State

Since 2 December, heavy rainfall and severe flooding has impacted parts of the United States and Canada. The entire region has received torrential rain from an atmospheric river, which is a phenomenon where water evaporates into the air and is carried by the wind and forms long currents that surge through the sky like rivers flow on land.

On 10 December, A 14-day state of emergency was declared for all of Washington state (US). 

The Washington State Emergency Management Division’s Facebook page has updates and more local information: Washington State EMD 

For local road and community alerts, opt in to alerts at https://mil.wa.gov/alerts#local. The Washington State Department of Transportation has a real-time map of road closures and delays on their website: Travel Center Map | WSDOT

In British Columbia, Canada, evacuation orders are in place for several communities. Major highways to Vancouver have been closed because of flooding, debris, and the risk of avalanches. 

See more on the Government of British Columbia’s Emergency Info website: EmergencyInfoBC Home - EmergencyInfoBC

In the event of an emergency dial the North America emergency number: 911

Advice for New Zealanders

New Zealanders in the affected areas are advised to follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, including evacuation orders. New Zealanders should stay in contact with family and friends to keep them informed of your plans and well-being.

To receive official information from the New Zealand Government, register your travel with us on SafeTravel.  

For further advice on what to do during severe weather, read our severe weather page.

New Zealanders who require urgent consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.