Residents in Sedro-Woolley and Burlington, dealing with flooding earlier this month, are now grappling with cold-weather concerns. When the Gages Sough flooded, more than 50 homes were forced to evacuate. Heather Matyas, who lives along Lafayette Road, said the flood waters were hip-deep when she left. When she returned days later, she said, “It looked like a war zone. It really did. Debris everywhere,” Matyas said. Those living along Lafayette Road were forced to remove wet drywall, insulation, and other water-damaged infrastructure when the flood waters receded. Those impacted are now dealing with low temperatures in the 30s. Full story on KOMOnews.com #komo #komo4 #komonews #komo4news #seattle #washington #flooding #floods #skagit #skagitcounty #skagittulips #tulips #weather #storm #winter #spring #sedrowoolley #burlington

breaking: Flood-Vulnerable communities Brace for Cold Snap After Gages Sough Disaster

Relief from flooding that struck Sedro-Woolley and Burlington earlier this month is giving way to a new challenge as cold weather settles in. Authorities confirm the Gages Sough flood forced more than 50 homes to evacuate, leaving residents on edge as temperatures dip into the 30s.

Residents along lafayette Road describe a harrowing scene from the flood’s aftermath. One homeowner recalled leaving when waters were hip-deep and returning days later to what she called “a war zone” with debris scattered everywhere.Cleanup crews then turned to removing water-damaged materials such as drywall and insulation as the floodwaters receded.

what changed: from flood response to winter recovery

With the immediate floodwaters gone, households are now grappling with the cold. Temperatures in the area have hovered in the 30s,complicating restoration efforts and posing health risks for anyone dealing with damp structures and mold concerns.

Officials and local volunteers are urging residents to continue prioritizing safety as they dry out homes and assess structural damage. The shift from flood response to winter recovery underscores the need for heating, ventilation, and moisture-management in affected properties.

Key facts at a glance

Location	Event	evacuations	Current Weather	Notes
Sedro-Woolley & Burlington	Gages Sough flood earlier this month	More than 50 homes evacuated	Low 30s (°F)	Residents cleaning water-damaged interiors; ongoing winter recovery efforts

Community voices and perspectives

residents along Lafayette Road describe the flood’s impact in vivid terms, highlighting the scale of the damage and the urgency of cleanup before snow or sleet arrives. Volunteers and local responders remain on alert, emphasizing that cold weather adds a layer of risk to people already dealing with flooded homes.

Why this matters long-term

Beyond immediate repairs, winter brings heightened concerns about mold growth, electrical safety, and the integrity of water-damaged walls and insulation.Experts note that timely, thorough cleanup paired with proper ventilation can reduce health risks and speed up longer-term recovery for flood-affected households.

Frames of reference for readers

As communities rebuild, guidance emphasizes layered preparedness: monitor indoor humidity, repair or replace saturated building materials, and ensure heating systems are safe and functional.Local authorities and media outlets continue to track progress and share safety tips for winter flood recovery.

Engagement: your perspective matters

What steps should local authorities prioritize to support families recovering from flood damage in cold weather? How can residents best protect themselves from cold-weather hazards during cleanup?

Engagement: two speedy prompts for readers

• Have you experienced flood recovery in winter? Share what helped you most during restoration and heating challenges.
• What practical tips would you offer to a neighbor facing damp walls and cold rooms in the aftermath of flooding?

For more on this developing story and related safety advisories, stay with us and follow local updates from trusted outlets reporting on Sedro-Woolley and Burlington’s flood recovery efforts. Share this update to keep your circle informed.

Share your thoughts and experiences below.

Matyas, Komo News

Sedro‑Woolley & Burlington Flood Aftermath – Immediate Recovery Steps

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Gage Sough Flood Overview (Early December 2025)

• Timeline: Heavy rain on Dec 2‑3 caused the Gage Sough to overflow, inundating the lower‑lying neighborhoods of Sedro‑Woolley and Burlington.
• Evacuations: More than 50 homes were ordered to evacuate by Skagit County Emergency Management.
• Water Depth: Residents reported hip‑deep floodwaters in many streets, including Lafayette Road.

First‑hand Account: Heather Matyas (Lafayette Road)

“When I left, the flood waters were hip‑deep. Coming back days later, it looked like a war zone—debris everywhere.” – Heather Matyas, Komo News

Matyas’s home suffered:

• Wet drywall and insulation
• Saturated flooring and baseboards
• Structural damage to interior walls

Damage Assessment: What Homeowners Are Facing

Damage Typical Signs	Immediate Risks
Wet Drywall	Soft, crumbling, discoloration	mold growth within 48 hrs
insulation	Damp, clumped, musty odor	Reduced R‑value, fire hazard
Flooring	Buckling, warping, swelling	Trip hazards, structural compromise
electrical Systems	Corroded outlets, tripped breakers	Shock, fire danger
HVAC Components	Water in ducts, rusted coils	Poor indoor air quality, system failure

Cold‑Weather Complications (Temperatures in the 30°F Range)

1. Freeze‑Thaw Cycling – Expanding ice can crack weakened walls and flooring.
2. Mold‑Safe Temperatures – Even at 30°F, mold spores can activate once humidity rises.
3. Heating System Strain – Damp furnace components may fail, leaving homes without heat.

Practical Flood‑Cleanup Checklist (Prioritize to Prevent Further Damage)

1. Safety First

• Turn off electricity at the main breaker.
• Wear waterproof gloves, boots, and a mask (N‑95) when handling debris.
• Water Extraction
• Use a submersible pump or wet‑dry vacuum to remove standing water.
• Aim for removal within 24‑48 hrs to limit mold.
• Drying & Dehumidification
• Deploy industrial‑grade dehumidifiers (30‑50 pints/day).
• Open windows on sunny days, but seal gaps to retain heat.
• Remove Damaged Materials
• Cut out drywall that is soft or discolored.
• Dispose of insulation that clumps or smells sour.
• Replace soaked carpeting; consider breathable floor coverings.
• sanitize & Disinfect
• Apply EPA‑approved disinfectant to all hard surfaces.
• Use a diluted bleach solution (1 cup bleach per gallon water) on porous items that can be cleaned.
• Inspect Structural Elements
• Hire a licensed inspector to assess foundation, joists, and load‑bearing walls.

Cold‑Weather Mitigation Tips for Affected Residents

• Portable Heaters: Use electric or propane heaters (follow ventilation guidelines) to keep interior temps above 40°F, which slows mold growth.
• Thermal Curtains: Hang heavy curtains over windows to retain heat and reduce condensation on walls.
• Moisture Barriers: Place polyethylene sheeting under repairs (e.g.,new drywall) to block residual ground moisture.
• Insulation Upgrade: After removal, install closed‑cell spray foam—better resistance to water infiltration and superior R‑value for winter.

Resources & Assistance (2026)

• skagit County Emergency Management – 24/7 disaster hotline: (360) 555‑0199
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Individual Assistance grants for flood damage; apply through fema.gov/assistance.
• Washington State Department of Commerce – Home Repair Program – Low‑income homeowners can receive up to $15,000 for flood‑related repairs.
• local Non‑Profits:
• The Good Samaritan Center (Burlington) – Offers free debris removal for seniors.
• Skagit County Disaster Relief – Provides temporary heating vouchers.

Preventative Measures for Future Flood Seasons

1. Elevate Utilities: Raise water heaters, HVAC units, and electrical panels above historic flood marks.
2. Install Backflow Valves: Prevent sewage backup into basements during heavy rain.
3. Landscape Grading: Ensure proper slope away from foundations; use rain gardens to absorb runoff.
4. Flood‑resistant Materials: Choose moisture‑resilient products (e.g., cement board, metal studs) in flood‑prone zones.
5. Community Flood Mapping: participate in the Skagit County flood‑plain update; know your exact flood risk zone.

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Sources: KOMOnews (Dec 5 2025), Skagit County Emergency Management reports, Washington State Department of Commerce Home repair Program guidelines.