Historic floods have hit Washington state, which is under a state of emergency, and evacuation orders have been issued as families are stranded and homes are being washed away.
The Pacific Northwest state is expecting more flooding on Friday, and another storm system is expected to bring more rain starting Sunday, The Associated Press reported.
The flooding has been caused by heavy, relentless rain brought into the region by an atmospheric river – a plume of moisture that helps carry saturated air from the tropics to higher latitudes.
On Thursday, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson urged residents to follow evacuation instructions as yet another river neared record levels.
“I understand that many in our state have experienced significant floods in the past,” Ferguson posted on X. “However, we’re looking at a historic situation, expecting 2 feet higher than record flood level. If you have instructions to evacuate from your local authorities, please evacuate.”
