Residents in the Pacific Northwest of the US and western Canada are bracing for potentially life-threatening floods as several days of heavy rain have swollen a number of rivers and tributaries.
On Thursday, the National Water Center reported heavy flooding along the Skagit and Snohomish rivers in the state of washington that is expected to continue through Friday.
In Canada, major highways to Vancouver have been closed because of flooding, debris and the risk of avalanches.
There are evacuation orders in place for thousands of people in the US and Canada, and authorities have warned more rain is on the way.
in the US, the governor of Washington state, Bob Ferguson, declared a statewide emergency and estimated 100,000 residents could face evacuation orders.
The emergency declaration warned that continued rain and possibly snow at mountain elevations would exacerbate flooding conditions.
Governor Ferguson said there were no reports of fatalities during the state’s flooding event, but warned residents the risk wasn’t over yet.
“On the Skagit River, for example, the river will be cresting tomorrow mid-morning. Again, that is expected to be historic level on that river,” he told CNN on Thursday evening.
He warned that it would take “weeks” to recover from the storm, and appealed for help from the federal government.
Washington state’s Congressional delegation too has urged President Trump to approve an expedited emergency declaration for more assistance.
An evacuation order was lifted in the
Flooding Prompts Evacuations in washington State and British columbia
Table of Contents
Torrential rains from an atmospheric river are causing widespread flooding and evacuation orders in parts of Washington state and British Columbia, canada.Communities along the Nooksack River and its tributaries are particularly affected, with concerns rising about potential overflows and disruptions to travel. While current forecasts anticipate flooding less severe than the devastating events of 2021, authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation notices and prepare for continued inclement weather, including another storm expected on sunday.
Current Situation: Washington State
Evacuation efforts are underway in Sultan, washington, as the nooksack River approaches flood stage. City officials are preparing for potential overflows, though they anticipate the flooding will not reach the severity experienced in November 2021. That event resulted in significant damage and tragically, five deaths in the province. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/flooding-prompts-evacuations-washington-state-british-columbia-2023-11-15/
Current Situation: British Columbia, Canada
Across the border in British Columbia, evacuation orders are in place for the communities of Tulameen and Eastgate, along with several other areas. Residents can find the latest details and evacuation orders on the Emergency Info BC website: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
Travel Disruptions
The heavy rainfall has led to significant travel disruptions in both countries. Drive BC reports that most major highways to the Lower Mainland are currently closed.https://www.drivebc.ca/ The US-Canada Sumas Border Crossing is also closed to commercial traffic, impacting trade and supply chains.
Understanding Atmospheric Rivers
The current flooding is a direct result of an atmospheric river, a weather phenomenon characterized by concentrated bands of moisture in the atmosphere. These rivers of water vapor are carried by strong winds and can deliver intense rainfall over a relatively short period. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), atmospheric rivers are a major contributor to extreme precipitation events on the West Coast of North America. https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-climate/atmospheric-rivers
Looking Ahead
Forecasters are warning of another storm system expected to arrive on Sunday, potentially exacerbating the flooding situation. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed, monitor local news and official alerts, and follow the guidance of emergency management officials.
Key Takeaways:
* Evacuations: Evacuation orders are in effect for multiple communities in Washington state and British Columbia.
* Travel: Major highways and the Sumas Border Crossing are closed due to flooding.
* Atmospheric River: The flooding is caused by an atmospheric river, a concentrated band of moisture in the atmosphere.
* Future Risk: Another storm is expected on Sunday, increasing the risk of further flooding.