COMMERCIAL CLIENT ALERT BULLETIN: Severe Flooding Impacting Businesses Across the Pacific Northwest 

To Our Valued Commercial Clients, 

We want to ensure you are aware of the significant flooding and storm impacts affecting businesses and properties throughout the Pacific Northwest. A strong atmospheric river is producing historic rainfall, leading to major river flooding, infrastructure disruption, and evacuation orders across multiple counties. 

 

Current Conditions Affecting Businesses 

• Widespread Flooding:Key rivers—including the Skagit, Snoqualmie, Snohomish, and Puyallup—are cresting above historic levels.
• Evacuations & Access Issues: Several business districts and industrial areas are experiencing access restrictions or full evacuation orders.
• Road & Utility Interruptions: Flooded roads, bridge closures, power outages, and service interruptions may affect operations and supply chains.
• Continued Storm Activity: Additional heavy rainfall in the next 24–48 hours may worsen river levels and create new flooding zones. 

 

If Your Business or Property Is Impacted 

1. Prioritize Employee Safety
   Follow all local emergency orders. If evacuation isrequired or access is unsafe, suspend operations. 
2. Protect Your Property (If Safe to Do So)

• • Move equipment, inventory, and documents to higher levels. 

• • Disconnect electronics and machinery if flooding is imminent. 

• • Use sandbags or temporary barriers if available. 

• • Document conditions before and after protective measures. 

3. Document All Damage Thoroughly
   Take photos/videos of affected areas, including exterior, interior, equipment, inventory, and utilities.
4. Report Claims Immediately
   Contact us as soon as possible so we canassist with: 

• • Property damage claims 

• • Business interruption / extra expense guidance 

• • Equipment breakdown issues 

• • Flood policy claims, if applicable 

 

Key Insurance Notes for Commercial Policyholders 

• Flood is typically excludedunder standard commercial property policies unless you carry a separate flood endorsement or NFIP/private flood policy.
• Business Interruption coverage applies only when there is direct physical loss from a covered cause of loss.
• Civil Authority coverage may apply when government orders restrict access—depending on policy language and cause of loss.
• Extra Expense coverage may help with temporary relocation, rental equipment, emergency mitigation, or alternative work sites. 

If you are unsure what applies to your policy, please reach out—we will review your coverage and guide you through next steps. 

 

We Are Actively Supporting Impacted Businesses 

Our team is standing by to help with: 
✔ Claims reporting & coordination 
✔ Review of your property and BI coverage 
✔ Loss mitigation guidance 
✔ Emergency vendor referrals 
✔ Carrier communication and documentation support 

Please stay safe, protect employees first, and contact us immediately if you experience any damage or operational interruption. 

We are here to support you through this event.