MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — Days of torrential rain in Washington state has caused historic floods that have stranded families on rooftops, washed over bridges and ripped at least two homes from their foundations. Experts warn that even more flooding expected Friday could be catastrophic.

Washington is under a state of emergency, with evacuation orders affecting tens of thousands of residents. Governor Bob Ferguson on Thursday urged compliance with evacuation instructions, as multiple rivers approached record levels.

“I understand that many in our state have experienced significant floods in the past,” he stated on social media. “However, we’re looking at a historic situation.”

Approximately 78,000 residents in the agricultural areas north of Seattle were mandated to evacuate the floodplain of the Skagit River, which is anticipated to crest Friday morning.

The floods are impacting extensive regions, with numerous bridges submerged and several major roads completely inundated or washed out. Some routes, including a portion of state Route 410, currently have no alternate pathways and no expected reopening timeline.

A landslide has blocked a segment of Interstate 90 east of Seattle, with reports of vehicles trapped amidst tree debris and standing water.

In cities such as Sumas and Nooksack, near the U.S.-Canada border, evacuations have taken place, resulting in the closure of the Sumas border crossing and suspension of Amtrak services between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.

Mayor Bruce Bosch of Sumas expressed that the city has faced devastating impacts from the flooding, occurring just four years after a similar disaster.

Flooding rivers break records

According to the National Water Prediction Service, the Snohomish River surged nearly a foot above its previous record levels, while the Skagit River rose slightly beyond its record Thursday night in Mount Vernon.

Although the Skagit River narrowly missed its previous record earlier in the day, flooding complications impacted the surrounding areas profoundly.

“I didn’t think it would come this high,” said Mariah Brosa, a resident whose home narrowly escaped damage from the flooding.

Mount Vernon, the largest city in Skagit County, has faced years of flooding, with significant episodes recorded in 2003.

Rush reports from Portland, Oregon, with contributions from Associated Press writers in various Washington locations detailing ongoing responses to the emergency.

Another storm system is expected to bring additional rains starting Sunday.