In brief
Recent storms have brought extensive damage to the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington and Idaho. Wind gusts up to 85 mph have led to downed trees and power lines, critically injuring two children. The severe weather follows over a week of heavy rainfall causing significant flooding and displacing thousands. Governor Bob Ferguson described the situation as dire, urging residents to heed evacuation orders while recovery efforts continue amidst heightened risks of flash floods and mudslides.
SEATTLE (AP) — A powerful storm system has wreaked havoc across Washington state and Idaho, causing severe injuries, widespread power outages, and significant damage due to high winds and persistent flooding.
On Wednesday morning, wind gusts reached up to 85 miles per hour in areas like Pullman, Washington, and cities in Idaho including Moscow and Lewiston. Reports indicate that over half a million power customers in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon experienced outages, escalating the ongoing crisis following a week of heavy rainfall.
In southern Idaho, the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office reported that strong winds toppled several old trees, leading to critical injuries for two children. The sheriff's office has yet to release more details about the injuries or the specific circumstances surrounding them.
As the storm continued to batter western Washington, residents in regions already affected by flooding reported extensive damage, including downed power lines and roofs being blown off. City officials and emergency services are working tirelessly to assess the situation as damaged infrastructure poses ongoing risks to public safety.
Governor Bob Ferguson noted the severity of the damage but emphasized the challenges of gauging the full extent, as flooding, mudslides, and continued power outages were expected. “We’re in for the long haul,” he stated, advising residents to follow evacuation orders promptly.
The National Weather Service has projected a continuation of elevated river levels and flood risks throughout the month, with some communities still under evacuation orders. Between emergency rescues and evacuations, responders assisted with at least 629 rescues and 572 evacuations, keeping residents in the flood-prone areas safe from rising waters.
With major highways buried under water or damaged, recovery efforts may extend for months before communities can return to normalcy.
Many community members have already aided rescue efforts, reporting the dire situations and participating in sandbagging efforts to protect their neighborhoods from further damage from rising waters.
