What are the impacts of the high winds in Washington and Idaho?

High winds up to 85 mph have caused significant damage, including toppling trees and power lines, and critically injuring two children.

How many people are affected by power outages in the Pacific Northwest?

Over half a million power customers are experiencing outages across Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

What is the current flood situation in Washington state?

Heavy rains have caused rivers to swell, leading to widespread flooding, over 600 rescues, and numerous evacuations in Washington state.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Washington State Reels from Wind, Flood Devastation

Washington State Reels from Wind, Flood Devastation

18 Dec

•

Summary

High winds up to 85 mph caused critical injuries to two children.
Over half a million power customers lost electricity in three states.
Flooding and high winds have necessitated hundreds of rescues and evacuations.

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.