Catastrophic flooding' in North America's Pacific Northwest as rains ease

"Intense downpours were swept into the region this week by an atmospheric river' storm system from the Pacific Ocean. Intense rains that triggered catastrophic flooding in North America's Pacific Northwest have finally eased, though meteorologists warn the effects of overflowing rivers and floodwaters will continue to be felt for several days. Tens of thousands of people were told to evacuate on Thursday across the US states of Oregon and Washington, up through the Canadian province of British Columbia,"

"Western Washington state has borne the greatest brunt of the storm, with roughly 100,000 residents under Level 3 evacuation orders. State authorities have ordered people living south of the cities of Seattle and Tacoma to leave their homes, with aerial photographs showing farmland already under water, and populated areas perilously close. In the city of Orting, south of Seattle, authorities warned there is a significant threat to life and or property."

An atmospheric river storm from the Pacific delivered intense downpours across the Pacific Northwest, causing catastrophic flooding in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. Rain intensity has eased, but overflowing rivers and floodwaters will continue to affect the region for several days. Tens of thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate, with Western Washington hardest hit and roughly 100,000 people under Level 3 evacuation orders. Authorities ordered residents south of Seattle and Tacoma to leave as farmland and populated areas flooded. Orting faces a significant threat to life and property. Rescue teams evacuated residents in Snohomish. British Columbia saw widespread inundation and five of six highways into Vancouver closed, while the main route between Vancouver and Seattle remained open.

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