Catastrophic Floods Grip Washington State

Catastrophic flooding caused by a powerful atmospheric river continues to impact Washington state, posing significant risks to life and property. The National Water Center has warned that the prolonged deluge has pushed numerous rivers to major flood stages, with some historical records being broken. Even as rainfall subsides, officials expect flooding to persist for several days.

Thousands of residents have been displaced by the extreme weather, with evacuation orders affecting more than 100,000 people as of Thursday. Currently, over a million individuals across the state remain under flood warnings and various weather alerts. The intense rainfall, measuring up to 12 inches in some areas over several days, has saturated the soil, heightening the danger of landslides and debris flows.

Atmospheric rivers, described as "rivers in the sky," are known for transporting vast amounts of water vapor. While they can bring beneficial snowpack to the West Coast, they are also responsible for triggering deadly flooding, mudslides, and widespread power outages. The ongoing crisis in Washington, particularly in northwestern areas and the Cascade foothills, underscores the destructive potential of these weather phenomena.