Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Atmospheric River Triggers Major Flooding in Washington as Second Surge Nears

Forecasters expect a stronger pulse to push rivers to crest through midweek.

Overview

  • Flood watches and warnings remain in effect across western Washington and northwest Oregon as multi-day heavy rain continues.
  • At least four rivers are already at major flood stage and many more, including the Skagit, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, Nisqually and Cowlitz, are forecast to reach major levels.
  • The Yakima River at Easton set an all-time record near 57.01 feet Tuesday morning, with gauges showing continued high water into the afternoon.
  • First-responder activity includes high-water rescues near Gold Bar, an I-90 closure from a mudslide near North Bend, and multiple school delays and closures.
  • A stronger second pulse is expected tonight into Wednesday with rainfall totals over 10 inches in higher terrain, raising risks of landslides, power outages and additional evacuations in low-lying areas.