Powerful storms dump heavy rain and swell rivers across US Pacific north-west

Powerful storms are impacting the US Pacific Northwest and upper Midwest, causing heavy rain, flooding, and winter weather. An atmospheric river brought significant rainfall to western Washington and northwestern Oregon, leading to high-water rescues and highway closures. Flood watches are in effect along the Pacific coast and into the Cascades through midweek. Simultaneously, a storm moving across the upper Midwest is bringing freezing rain, high winds, and heavy snow, prompting travel advisories and school closures in North Dakota. High wind warnings are in place for much of Montana and the Dakotas, with wintry conditions expected to affect Minnesota and Wisconsin as well.