An atmospheric river dumping record rainfall has triggered emergency evacuations as rivers surge to historic heights
Washington and Oregon are bracing for major flooding and possible evacuations as an atmospheric river event brings heavy rainfall to an already saturated region. Firefighters have already used inflatable kayaks to rescue people trapped in submerged vehicles as rivers swell to dangerous levels.
More than 6 million people are under flood watches in Western Washington through Friday, as well as parts of Idaho and western Montana, with more than 7 inches of rain expected. Some 18 river locations in Washington are now forecast to experience major flooding.
Washington’s State Emergency Operations Center was activated Tuesday at level 1, its highest response level, Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement. The activation signals the severity of the situation and mobilizes state resources to respond to the unfolding crisis.
Record-breaking rainfall continues
More than a foot of rain is expected across elevated parts of the Pacific Northwest this week, following persistent and record-breaking precipitation earlier this week caused by the same atmospheric river system. Rainfall at the Olympia Regional Airport reached 3.03 inches on Monday, breaking the previous record of 2.5 inches set decades ago.
An atmospheric river is a long, narrow band of atmospheric moisture that carries water vapor and delivers heavy precipitation when it makes landfall. A major event can discharge more than 15 times the average flow at the mouth of the Mississippi River, dumping enormous amounts of water in concentrated areas over short periods.
Rivers surging to historic heights
1. Skagit River: The waterway is predicted to crest at more than 47 feet near the town of Concrete, north of Seattle, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration gauge. That would be more than 5 inches above the existing record and 15 inches above the threshold for a major flooding event.
People in low-lying parts of Skagit County were told to prepare for possible evacuation by the state Emergency Management Division. Authorities were working with the American Red Cross to prepare a shelter for affected families in the eastern part of the county.
2. Snohomish River: The waterway in Washington is set to reach 33.6 feet in the next 48 hours, 12 feet above its normal level, breaking a previous record by a few inches. Snohomish County declared a state of emergency Tuesday because of flooding in multiple rivers, with levels potentially reaching historic heights.
County Emergency Management Director Lucia Schmit emphasized the ongoing nature of the threat, noting that while the region made it through the first part of the weather challenge, forecasts indicate preparation is needed for another, bigger surge of rain and high water later this week.
3. Grays River: The Washington waterway reached a record-breaking 33.3 feet in Rosburg on Monday, surpassing previous high-water marks and flooding surrounding communities.
Evacuations and safety warnings
The fire department in Lewis County advised residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate while they still could. Officials emphasized that waiting until rivers reach their highest points puts lives and safety at risk, including those of emergency responders who would attempt rescues in dangerous conditions.
Many roads are covered with water and are impassible. As with flooding events, authorities are urging drivers in affected areas not to drive through floodwaters, especially at night when water depth is harder to judge. Even shallow-looking water can hide hazards like washed-out roadbeds or swift currents capable of sweeping vehicles away.
The combination of already saturated ground from previous rainfall and the incoming atmospheric river creates particularly dangerous conditions. When soil is saturated, it cannot absorb additional precipitation, causing water to run off rapidly into streams and rivers that quickly overflow their banks.
What residents should do
Emergency management officials are urging residents in affected areas to monitor local alerts, prepare emergency kits with essential supplies and have evacuation plans ready. Those in flood-prone areas should move valuable items to higher floors if possible and ensure family members know designated meeting locations if separated during evacuations.
The timing of this atmospheric river event, combined with already elevated river levels from previous storms, makes the situation particularly hazardous. Weather forecasters expect the heaviest rainfall to continue through Friday, meaning river levels could remain dangerously high for several days even after precipitation decreases.
Climate scientists note that atmospheric rivers are becoming more intense as the atmosphere warms and holds more moisture. While these weather patterns have always affected the Pacific Northwest, their increasing severity creates greater flood risks for communities that may not have experienced such extreme events in the past.
Source: NBC News