More Atmospheric Rivers Target Pacific Northwest After Historic Flooding

Flooded communities across Washington and the Pacific Northwest are beginning to dry out after days of heavy rain, but the relief will be short-lived. Meteorologists warn that additional atmospheric rivers are on the way next week, bringing renewed threats to a region already overwhelmed by historic flooding.

The powerful storm that drenched Washington earlier this week pushed rivers to dangerous levels, triggered widespread evacuations, and prompted dozens of water rescues. In some places, floodwater reached waist height; in others, such as Sumas, Washington, it climbed more than 15 feet. Crews rescued stranded residents by helicopter, boat, and even from atop vehicles as waters rose rapidly.

In Burlington, floodwater spilled into homes early Friday, prompting National Guard teams to go door-to-door. A citywide evacuation order was later partially lifted, but many neighborhoods remain on alert.

Forecasters say the next wave of storms will not be as intense as the one that caused the current flooding, but saturated ground and swollen rivers mean even moderate rainfall could create new hazards. Light rain will begin Sunday before a stronger atmospheric river arrives Monday, delivering heavy rainfall to western Washington and parts of Oregon. The Weather Prediction Center has designated the system at least a Level 4 of 5, signaling a strong atmospheric river event.

Another storm driven by atmospheric river moisture is expected late Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing widespread rain from Washington to Northern California. Higher elevations in the Cascades and northern Rockies could see snow.

Rivers such as the Snohomish and Skagit, which surged past major flood stage this week and broke records last set in 1990, could rise quickly again as the storms move in. Even as waters begin to recede this weekend, officials warn that conditions remain dangerous.

Meteorologists caution that more storm activity is possible later next week, and residents across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California should stay alert as forecasts continue to develop.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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