Editor’s note: The following is a press release from the office of Governor Bob Ferguson.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency Dec. 10 following major flooding across Washington. That declaration is available here.

“I have declared a statewide emergency, and I will be requesting an expedited emergency declaration from the federal government today,” Ferguson said. “We need the federal government to grant that request. This situation is extremely serious. The next few days are critical. I want to encourage all Washingtonians to listen carefully to alerts from your county and emergency management departments. If you receive an evacuation order, please follow that order. It’s critical to your safety. Thank you to all the first responders who are in the field helping Washingtonians.”

The state emergency declaration allows the state to seek federal funds for recovery. An expedited emergency declaration from the federal government will allow access to life, safety and emergency protective measures and additional federal resources.

Ferguson has also activated the National Guard. Washington state is in regular contact with local governments, tribal governments and federal partners, including the National Weather Service, FEMA Region 10 and the Army Corps of Engineers.

The governor will be visiting impacted communities in the coming days.

Travelers should consult the Washington State Department of Transportation’s real-time travel map: Travel Center Map | WSDOT

Sign up for emergency alerts here: Alerts | Washington State Military Department

Video of the press office is available here.