Pacific north-west

The Pacific Northwest, encompassing western Washington, northwestern Oregon, and extending into British Columbia, is currently facing a significant emergency due to severe weather. Recent intense rainfall, driven by a powerful atmospheric river, has caused widespread flooding, swelling rivers to historic levels. This has led to numerous road closures, mudslides, submerged vehicles, and high-water rescues. The governor of Washington state has declared a statewide emergency, seeking federal funds to address the escalating crisis. Approximately 100,000 people are under evacuation warnings as the region braces for more deluges. The situation is newsworthy due to the scale of the flooding, the displacement of residents, and the potential for further damage and disruption. The event highlights the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and the need for robust emergency response measures.