The US north-west is experiencing an intense atmospheric river that has caused dangerous levels of flooding, road and rail closures, and possibly led to the deaths of two individuals. This deluge has been ongoing for the third consecutive day, with up to 8 inches of rain falling across the region.
While the rain has provided relief to the drought-stricken states of Washington and Oregon, it has also brought about treacherous conditions. The storm is forecasted to continue into Wednesday evening before being broken up by a cold front.
Unfortunately, the severe weather has already had tragic consequences, with the discovery of an adult male’s body entangled in tree branches in Oregon’s Washington county. Another individual is presumed drowned in Portland, and dangerous conditions have forced rescue crews to suspend their search for the body.
Counties on Oregon’s Pacific coast are on high alert, with flood watches in place until late Wednesday and numerous road closures reported. River levels continue to rise to dangerous levels, with passenger trains between Portland and Seattle canceled until Thursday morning due to a landslide just north of Vancouver, Washington.