Residents of the Pacific Northwest are preparing for another wave of heavy rain following a powerful storm that caused significant disruptions. Rivers are rising, roads are closed, and high-water rescues are ongoing. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of severe flooding, particularly along the Skagit and Snohomish rivers in Washington, with possible levee overtopping. Schools have announced closures, and some roads are blocked due to landslides.
Reporting “alarming” rainfall rates, areas in Washington’s Cascade Mountains recorded over half an inch of rain per hour, with Mount Rainier Paradise seeing 3.25 inches in 10 hours. The storm on Tuesday resulted in power outages and submerged vehicles. Rescuers used kayaks to help stranded individuals.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson reported heightened emergency operations due to the severe weather. Major rivers are expected to rise over the next few days, with the Skagit River near Concrete anticipated to exceed flood levels by more than 15 feet, setting a new record.
Officials are conducting door-to-door warnings and evacuating areas at risk of flooding. Another storm is predicted to impact the region by Sunday, with ongoing concerns about volatile weather patterns.
In the Upper Midwest, a storm brought freezing rain and heavy snow, leading to school closures and winter storm warnings in parts of New York. Many areas saw nearly 6 inches of snow, affecting travel and safety as the storm moves toward the Great Lakes.
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