"The flooding levels we're looking at are potentially historic in nature," Gov. Bob Ferguson said Thursday afternoon, urging people to listen to official advice and follow evacuation orders.

The urgency went up a notch in Mount Vernon Thursday night, amidst concerns about whether the levees and dikes will be able to hold a record crest.

Unprecedented flooding is driving tens of thousands of people from their homes. Local authorities are sharing resources, and the state is asking for federal aid.

Authorities have told everyone within the Skagit River's 100-year floodplain to evacuate ahead of rapidly rising floodwaters. Communities including Burlington, La Conner, Lyman and Hamilton, as well as parts of Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley,

A century-old Skagit River dike is holding as 75,000 residents remain under evacuation orders. Officials warn flood risks will continue into Saturday morning.

Major flooding is expected in Skagit County from Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening. According to a news release from the county Department of Emergency Management, the Skagit River is forecast to crest at 40.

The Skagit County Department of Emergency Management recommends anyone living in the 100-year floodplain to evacuate.

About 75,000 people were told to prepare to evacuate.