Atmospheric rivers – what to know about the storms inundating the Pacific north-west

Record-breaking floodwaters in Washington state have begun to recede after days of severe flooding that led to widespread evacuations and emergency rescues. Governor Bob Ferguson emphasized the historic nature of the water levels, which are expected to remain high for an extended period. No fatalities have been reported despite the extensive damage and disruption caused by the flooding.

A blast of arctic air is moving south from Canada, impacting parts of the northern U.S., while residents of the Pacific Northwest are on high alert for potential mudslides and levee failures due to slow-receding floodwaters. This follows a week of severe weather that has already caused significant flooding in the region.

Severe flooding in Washington state has led to widespread evacuations, with many residents forced to leave their homes as floodwaters inundated communities. The situation has been exacerbated by an atmospheric river system that has brought record rainfall, causing rivers to swell and resulting in significant disruption and damage across the region.

Record flooding in Washington state has led to significant evacuations and dramatic rescues as floodwaters inundated communities, forcing residents to seek safety from rooftops and vehicles. The situation has been exacerbated by an atmospheric river system that released over a foot of rain, causing rivers to swell dangerously. As floodwaters begin to recede, concerns remain about the potential for further storms in the region.

Record flooding in Washington state has led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents following torrential rains this week, causing significant disruption and damage across the region.