In brief
In the wake of a powerful storm, rivers are swelling and flooding is rampant across Oregon and Washington. Emergency services are conducting rescues, and more heavy rain is expected in the coming days as authorities issue flood watches and warnings.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Residents of the Pacific Northwest are bracing for severe weather as another wave of heavy rain is set to hit the region following a powerful storm that caused widespread disruptions. Schools were closed, roads submerged, and emergency responders were called into action to rescue those trapped by rising waters.
On Tuesday, heavy rainfall and wind gusts resulted in power outages and several road closures across Oregon and Washington. Stranded motorists faced dangerous conditions due to debris slides, and emergency crews deployed inflatable kayaks to navigate flooded areas.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced that the state’s Emergency Operations Center had been activated to its highest level in response to the perilous weather conditions.
Forecasters have indicated that the worst is yet to come. The National Water Prediction Service forecasts that the Skagit River near Concrete, northeast of Seattle, could rise more than 15 feet above flood stage by Thursday, potentially breaking previous records.
Meteorologist Harrison Rademacher from the National Weather Service described the atmospheric river affecting the area as a “jet stream of moisture” borne from the Pacific, pushing unsettling conditions along the Oregon and Washington coastlines.
Flood watches are currently in effect, warning of possible flash flooding in the coastal areas and Cascade Mountains throughout midweek. Along Interstate 5, crews have conducted multiple rescues, including that of a family trapped in a home inundated with water. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during these rescues.
Local authorities have mobilized efforts in areas particularly prone to flooding, evacuating residents where necessary. In Snohomish County, a mobile home park was evacuated, and temporary flood control barriers have been put in place at critical locations.
In Alaska, meanwhile, an arctic blast is expected to bring severe cold, with wind chills dropping as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit in certain areas. As parts of the Upper Midwest brace for a distinct storm system bringing ice and heavy winds, residents are advised to exercise caution on the roads.
With another storm looming on the horizon, the Pacific Northwest remains on high alert as weather conditions continue to evolve with mounting unpredictability.
