In brief
The Pacific Northwest is grappling with significant weather challenges following a fierce storm that caused flooding, closed roads, and initiated rescues across Oregon and Washington. Emergency services have been fully mobilized as rivers rise dangerously high, with predictions of more rain on the horizon. Local authorities are urging residents to remain alert as flood watches remain in effect.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Pacific Northwest residents braced for another round of heavy rain Wednesday after a powerful storm clobbered the region the day before, swelling rivers, closing roads, and prompting high water rescues. The first in what is expected to be a series of damaging storms this week caused power outages, flooding, and school closures in parts of Oregon and Washington on Tuesday. Drivers had to navigate debris slides and water that closed roads and submerged vehicles. Fire officials northeast of Seattle reported that rescue crews used inflatable kayaks to pull people from stranded cars and carried another individual approximately a mile to safety after they were trapped in the woods by rising water.Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced that the state’s Emergency Operations Center had moved to its highest activation level due to the hazardous weather. Forecasters are predicting that some major rivers, including the Skagit River near Concrete, are expected to crest significantly, with levels rising more than 15 feet above major flooding by Thursday, potentially breaking historical records.Meteorologist Harrison Rademacher explained that the ongoing atmospheric river is delivering a tremendous amount of moisture, affecting the area. Rescue operations included incidents along Interstate 5 between Seattle and Portland, where firefighters conducted multiple rescues including a family stranded in a flooded home and a semi-truck driver.In various neighborhoods, police went door to door, alerting residents of the impending flooding, while areas like the city of Snohomish declared emergencies due to the water risk. Further north, an arctic air blast is expected to bring extreme cold, while parts of the Upper Midwest are bracing for their own winter storm. With winter weather on the approach, road safety warnings remain in place as residents gear up for ongoing instability leading into the holidays.
