PORTLAND, Ore. — Residents of the Pacific Northwest are preparing for another round of heavy rain as a powerful storm that hit the area already caused significant damage, flooding, and chaotic rescue operations for trapped citizens.
The recent storm, the first of a series expected this week, brought power outages, school closures, and prompted authorities to rescue stranded individuals. In Washington, several people required evacuating from their vehicles amid rising waters. Fire crews in Lewis County used inflatable kayaks to reach those marooned by flooding.
Governor Bob Ferguson announced an increase to the state’s Emergency Operations Center activation level due to severe weather conditions. The National Weather Service predicts that the worst conditions are yet to come, particularly for the Skagit River, which is expected to crest significantly higher than previous flooding levels in the coming days.
According to meteorologist Harrison Rademacher, the region is experiencing a continuous influx of moisture from the Pacific Ocean due to a phenomenon known as an atmospheric river. This is expected to result in a foot of snow in the northern Rockies and heightened flooding risks along the coast and into the Cascade Mountains.
Throughout the area, authorities have been proactive in conducting evacuations and issuing flood warnings. Emergency services have worked tirelessly to assist families trapped in their homes as rising waters have made several roads impassable. Firefighters have rescued families and drivers attempting to navigate flooded highways.
In addition to ongoing rainfall, an arctic blast is expected to bring dangerously low temperatures to southeast Alaska, making the region's weather patterns even more volatile as winter approaches.
As the Pacific Northwest endures this turmoil, officials are advising caution for motorist travel due to the risk of hydroplaning and other dangers associated with flooding.
