Washington

Washington map shows where state could be underwater from sea level rise

Published

2 years ago

May 31, 2024

Washington map shows where state could be underwater from sea level rise

A new interactive map shows how parts of Washington state could be submerged underwater as sea levels rise due to climate change.

Washington’s extensive coastal regions, which stretch around 157 miles along the Pacific Ocean, would be particularly at risk, according to the map.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that by the year 2100, global sea levels could rise by up to 3.6 feet if global greenhouse gas emissions are not mitigated. However, it says that a rise of around 6.6 feet “cannot be ruled out.”

The map by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) allows users to see how different parts of the United States would be affected if sea levels rose by different amounts.

This map shows the current sea levels of Washington state. By 2100, global sea levels could rise by up to 3.6 feet, according to the IPCC.

NOAA

If sea levels were to rise by 3 feet, parts of Skagit County around the town of La Conner would be completely submerged in water.

The affected areas include those along the coast of the Swinomish Channel, which connects to Skagit Bay, Port Susan, and Livingston Bay. In the north, areas bordering Padilla Bay and Samish Bay would also be badly affected by the rising sea levels.

If sea levels were to rise by 6 feet, in line with the IPCC’s more severe projections, water would encroach further inland in these areas, and other coastal regions would also be affected.

Seattle would mostly be spared, except for the Terminal 18 container facility and some small areas along the coast, which would be submerged if sea levels rose by six feet.

This map shows how Washington would be affected if sea levels rose by 6 feet. Water would reach further inland, though Seattle would be mostly spared, according to the IPCC.

NOAA

Sea level rise is primarily caused by the melting of ice caps into the ocean due to warming temperatures. The level at which sea levels will rise will be impacted by whether global action is taken to slow climate change.

“Sea level rise will create a profound shift in coastal flooding over the next 30 years by causing tide and storm surge heights to increase and reach further inland. By 2050, ‘moderate’ (typically damaging) flooding is expected to occur, on average, more than 10 times as often as it does today, and can be intensified by local factors,” NOAA said in its 2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report.

Assessing the state of Washington’s risks from sea level rise is made complicated by the fact that the land movement along its coast is highly variable, with some areas experiencing uplift while others are subsiding.

These variations are caused by movements of the Earth’s tectonic plates.

Washington Map Shows Where State Could Be Underwater From Sea Level Rise

Photo Illustration by Newsweek/Getty Images

The state has been taking action to prepare for the potential impacts of rising sea levels, including through the three-year-long Washington Coastal Resilience Project. The project worked to identify at-risk areas and provide guidance to coastal communities, including several rural and tribal communities along the state’s coast.

The project also outlined the primary strategies for dealing with coastal hazards, including building hard defensive structures, using soft shore stabilization methods, using accommodation techniques to reduce flooding impacts, and avoiding development in risky areas.

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Washington

Tulip Day Washington draws buzz as sign-up site goes down

Published

4 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

WASHINGTON – Coming up this month, spring’s most colorful new event: Tulip Day Washington.

What we know:

On March 15, 2026, Tulip Day Washington will transform DC’s National Mall into a vibrant tulip-picking garden beautiful views of U.S. Capitol

This one-day event will take place from 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM, offering a floral showcase of approximately 150,000 tulips; visitors are invited to pick their choice of 10 tulips for free upon arrival.

Dig deeper:

The registration site for Tulip Day is currently down, showing users “This site is currently unavailable. If you’re the owner of this website, please contact your hosting provider to get this resolved.”

Users on social media say the event may be sold out.

Check tulipday.eu for updates.

The backstory:

The event is organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands and Royal Anthos, a Dutch trade association, in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The display of tulips will be in the shape of the number 250.

The bulbs come from the Netherlands, but are being grown in Virginia and New Jersey.

These won’t be the first tulips on the National Mall, however. The Floral Library, also known as the Tulip Library, features 93 beds of flowers near the Tidal Basin. The Floral Library was established in 1969, and is maintained by the National Park Services. These flowers, though, are to be enjoyed only – not to be picked.

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Washington

PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball

Published

16 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball

The562’s coverage of Dirtbags Baseball for the 2026 season is sponsored by P2S, Inc. Visit p2sinc.com to learn more.

Long Beach State dropped a 9-7 decision against Washington State on Sunday afternoon, closing out a busy weekend on Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.

The visiting Cougars took the lead for good in the eighth inning when Long Beach Poly grad Ryan Skjonsby delivered a game-winning two-run single with two outs and the bases loaded. Skjonsby was 2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and three RBIs for Washington State in their road victory.

For the Dirtbags, catcher Damon Valdez scored twice and had a key two-run single in the sixth to help lead a Long Beach comeback. Trevor Goldenetz had a pair of hits at the top of the order, including an RBI triple. Camden Gasser walked twice and singled, improving his on-base percentage to .574 on the season.

Long Beach State (4-7) will be back in action at home on Tuesday with an exhibition match against Waseda University from Japan. The Dirtbags will then visit San Diego State on Wednesday and open Big West play at UC Santa Barbara this weekend.

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Week Ahead in Washington: March 1

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Operation “Epic Fury” — the weekend military operations carried out by the U.S. and Israel against targets in Iran — tops the agenda for Congress as lawmakers return to Washington.

Sunday, President Donald Trump said the new leadership in Iran wants to talk to the Trump Administration.

Democrats in both chambers called for Congress to return as soon as possible for classified briefings on Iran, followed by a move to vote on the War Powers Act. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war on another country.

Congress’ return to Washington was originally delayed due to the start of the 2026 midterm elections cycle.

Tuesday, voters in Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas head to the polls for primary elections.

North Carolina and Texas are drawing significant attention, as both states are facing congressional redistricting and competitive primary races for Senate seats.

In Texas, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R) is facing primary challenges from state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. On the Democratic side, Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing state Rep. James Talarico.

In North Carolina, candidates are vying to replacing retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R) . They include former Governor Roy Cooper (D) and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley.

Also this week, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is laid to rest. He will be honored Wednesday in Washington before a final memorial service Saturday. Jackson died Feb. 17.

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