The Pacific Northwest faced severe weather conditions on Tuesday, marked by heavy rain, flooding, and unusually warm temperatures, thanks to an atmospheric river. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted rescue operations, saving five individuals from flooded areas. In southwest Washington, a Coast Guard helicopter rescued a man from his truck roof in floodwaters near Rosburg and helped four people trapped in a house surrounded by four feet of water.

The impact extended beyond rescues, with rail links, schools, and roads closing in various areas. Amtrak announced a suspension of passenger trains between Seattle and Portland until Thursday due to a landslide. Record-breaking daily rainfall and temperature records were shattered in Washington state. Flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service in western Washington, affecting regions north and east of Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula.

The atmospheric river, sometimes called a "Pineapple Express," delivered substantial rain and snow to California last winter. Seattle, experiencing warm temperatures, broke its daily record high with 59 degrees at 1 a.m. Tuesday. The Olympic Peninsula's Forks, known as the rainiest town in the contiguous U.S., saw its December 4 rainfall record more than double, reaching 4.7 inches in 24 hours.

In Granite Falls, Washington, homes were surrounded by floodwaters, and roads were impassable. A section of Washington State Route 106 closed due to overflowing water from the Skokomish River. Monroe, Washington, reported the rescue of four individuals and a dog trapped in a park by swollen waters.

Heavy rains also affected Oregon, leading to the closure of parts of coastal U.S. Highway 101. Flood-related closures prompted at least three school districts along the Oregon coast to shut down for the day. The Seattle parks department reported a landslide on a popular trail, the Burke-Gilman Trail, requiring assessment and detour planning.

Officials advised caution for drivers, urging them to avoid deep water on roadways and anticipate delays as the region continued to grapple with the aftermath of the extreme weather conditions.

Image: In this image from video provided by Kira Mascorella, a house is inundated by flood waters in Granite Falls, Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.
(Kira Mascorella via AP)

Inspiration for article: Associated Press