State officials said emergency responders have carried out more than 1,200 rescues across multiple counties.

SEATTLE — State leaders warned Tuesday that widespread flooding across Washington is far from over, calling the disaster one of the most devastating in state history and cautioning that recovery could take months as rivers continue to rise and infrastructure remains under strain.

Gov. Bob Ferguson urged residents to follow evacuation orders as floodwater inundated communities across much of the state, stressing that conditions remain unpredictable.

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“If you get an evacuation order, for God’s sakes, follow it,” Ferguson said during a news conference with state and federal emergency officials.

According to the American Red Cross, the designated disaster area now spans more than 123,000 square miles. Ferguson said historic river levels, damaged highways and ongoing rescues underscore the severity of the crisis.

“As we’ve been saying every day since this started, the situation is extremely unpredictable,” Ferguson said. “That’s something I want to emphasize again to all Washingtonians.”

The governor expanded his emergency declaration to include 14 counties, activating state cash and benefit assistance programs and making $3.5 million immediately available for disaster relief — funds he said he can release without legislative approval. Additional resources may be approved when the legislative session begins.

Ferguson also said the state is working to secure a federal major disaster declaration, which would unlock significant financial assistance for individuals, local governments and the state.

“That’s what unlocks significant financial resources for individuals and for local governments and the state,” Ferguson said, describing impacts he said will be “profound from a financial standpoint.”

Emergency response efforts are underway across the region, with hundreds of personnel deployed on the ground and in the air. Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, Washington’s Adjutant General, said approximately 250 soldiers and airmen are assisting with the response.

“They filled over 15,000 sandbags,” Welsh said. “They’re preventing people from driving down dangerous roads, and they’re going door to door to help with evacuations.”

Coast Guard helicopters are providing aerial support, while federal urban search and rescue teams have been deployed to assist people trapped by floodwaters. State officials said emergency responders have carried out more than 1,200 rescues across multiple counties.

Officials cautioned that the situation could worsen over the next several days as additional rain and high winds move into the region. Rivers including the Snoqualmie and Skagit are expected to crest above major flood stage, increasing the risk of further flooding and power outages.

Despite ongoing rescue and response efforts, officials said the full extent of the damage will not be known until waters recede and detailed assessments can begin.

For now, state leaders emphasized safety as the top priority, urging residents to avoid flooded roads, heed evacuation orders and stay alert as conditions continue to change.