Washington State Reels from Wind, Flood Devastation

Fierce winds reaching 85 mph have battered Washington and Idaho, toppling trees and power lines, critically injuring two children. This extreme weather exacerbates ongoing flooding, leaving over 500,000 customers without power across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. In Twin Falls County, Idaho, falling trees critically injured two children, while northern Idaho faced widespread road blockages. Western Washington communities already grappling with floods reported widespread power outages and structural damage. Governor Ferguson has declared the damage profound and warned of more high water and mudslides in the forecast, stressing that recovery will be a long process.

The state has experienced nearly two feet of rain in some areas, causing rivers to overflow and necessitating over 600 rescues across 10 counties. Key highways remain impassable due to inundation or washouts, with some communities entirely submerged. State Route 2, a vital link for western Washington, may remain closed for months. The governor's office confirmed hundreds of rescues and assisted evacuations, with as many as 100,000 people under evacuation orders at various times. Elevated river levels and flood risks are expected to persist until late this month.

Residents in Pacific, south of Seattle, were evacuated due to a levee breach, with emergency services using helicopters and door-to-door checks. Crews rescued approximately 100 people from flooded apartments. In the Snohomish area, a man was found deceased after driving past warning signs into a flooded ditch. The state and counties are providing immediate financial assistance for necessities, pending federal aid. Full damage assessments will only be possible after waters recede and landslide risks diminish.