Washington state records first flood death as 33-year-old driver found submerged after ignoring warning signs

A 33-year-old man has become the first reported fatality from Washington state’s devastating week-long flooding after his vehicle was discovered submerged in six feet of water in a roadside ditch near Seattle. Swimmers found the driver and his car in the Snohomish area on Tuesday, marking a tragic escalation in what has already been a severe weather emergency for the Pacific Northwest.

The victim had reportedly driven past flood warning signs before becoming trapped in the rising waters, highlighting the deadly risks faced by motorists who attempt to navigate flooded roadways. This incident serves as a stark reminder that just two feet of moving water can sweep away a vehicle, while six inches can knock a person off their feet.

Governor Bob Ferguson acknowledged the gravity of the situation on Tuesday, describing the damage across Washington state as “profound but unclear” as assessment teams work to gauge the full scope of destruction. The state continues to brace for additional challenges, with meteorologists forecasting more high water levels, dangerous mudslides, and widespread power outages in the coming days.

The flooding crisis has been building for a week as heavy rainfall has overwhelmed drainage systems and waterways throughout the region. Emergency officials continue to urge residents to avoid driving through flooded areas and to heed all evacuation orders and safety warnings as the extreme weather event unfolds.