PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Pacific Northwest is bracing for another wave of severe weather as heavy rainfall pounded the region, causing flooding, road closures, and emergency rescues on Tuesday.
The storm forced school closures and left thousands without power, creating treacherous conditions as drivers faced debris and flooded roads. Rescuers utilized inflatable kayaks in Washington, navigating floodwaters to save stranded motorists.
Governor Bob Ferguson activated the state's Emergency Operations Center in response to the extreme weather, signalling the urgency of resources and readiness to aid affected communities.
Forecasts predict that some major rivers, including the Skagit River, will surpass flood levels by Thursday, with expectations of breaking records.
National Weather Service meteorologist Harrison Rademacher noted that an atmospheric river—a continuous band of moisture across the Pacific—was funneling heavy rain into the region. He cautioned that the saturated ground and ongoing rainfall would likely invite further flooding threats, with some areas under flash flood watches.
Fire crews reported multiple water rescues along Interstate 5, including assisting a family isolated in their home as rising waters engulfed their property. Furthermore, authorities conducted evacuations in vulnerable neighborhoods and constructed temporary barricades to manage surging waterways.
The Portland metropolitan area has also urged residents to exercise caution while commuting, reiterating the dangers of hydroplaning on wet roads. As meteorologists forecast another storm system to hit the region by Sunday, the community remains alert to potential disruptions.
In a separate weather pattern, Southeast Alaska anticipates extreme cold with wind chills plunging to dangerous levels, highlighting the diverse impacts of this weather system across the region.
