The Pacific Northwest is grappling with historic flooding that has swamped roads, inundated neighborhoods and forced rescues by boat and air as more heavy rain is expected in the coming days.
Floodwaters rose suddenly in parts of western Washington, prompting urgent rescues. The U.S. Coast Guard pulled four people from the attic of a home near the Canadian border and first responders used a drone to drop a life jacket to a man stranded on the roof of his SUV before hoisting him to safety. Several rivers overflowed and broke records — notably the Skagit River, which crested near 38 feet. Towns such as Hamilton were among the hardest hit; roads into the community were flooded and travel in the area became impossible.
Authorities ordered an evacuation of Burlington after waters rose rapidly. National Guard troops assisted, going door to door to help residents. Many neighborhoods remain underwater even as some rivers begin to recede.
Rain totals have been severe in places. Seattle has already recorded about 3.9 inches of rain over five days, while mountain areas and some coastal locations saw much higher amounts — Quinault recorded about 16.6 inches. Forecasters warned that, after a relatively calmer weekend with only light rain expected, the region will see another atmospheric river by Monday and heavy downpours by Wednesday. Over the next seven days, the area could pick up roughly another foot of rain, raising concerns about further flooding and damage.
Elsewhere in the country, an influx of Arctic air was forecast to bring extreme cold to parts of the northern Plains and Midwest. Temperatures were expected to plunge well below zero in some locations, with wind chills making it feel much colder. Forecasters noted the potential for the first measurable snow of the season in parts of the Northeast.