Strong atmospheric river drops record rainfall in the Pacific Northwest, U.S.
A powerful atmospheric river has brought record-breaking rainfall to Washington and Oregon, causing widespread flooding and two fatalities as of December 5. The National Weather Service forecasts the storms to continue until December 7. Notable impacts include record river levels, such as the Stillaguamish River reaching a historic 6.50 m (21.34 feet), and extensive property damage across both states.
The Pacific Northwest of the USA has been experiencing severe weather conditions due to a powerful atmospheric river. Starting from December 4, 2023, this weather phenomenon has brought record levels of rainfall to parts of Washington and Oregon.
As of December 5, the event has resulted in two reported fatalities. Numerous homes have been impacted by floods, leading to several rescues, including some by Coast Guard helicopter teams.
In Western Washington, the Olympic National Park recorded a 220.22 mm (8.67 inches) of rain in a 24-hour period. The towns of Hoodsport and Duvall also experienced significant rainfall, each recording 180.85 mm (7.12 inches).
An atmospheric river pummeling the Pacific Northwest caused flash flooding and led to multiple rescues. At least two people have died. pic.twitter.com/h7itbrZ5Y7
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 6, 2023
The NWS Seattle office reported daily rainfall records in several locations, including Hoquiam, Forks, Sea-Tac Airport, and Olympia Airport.
Forks, WA, received 119.13 mm (4.69 inches) of rain, breaking its previous daily record set in 1971 and surpassing the total rainfall Las Vegas, NV, has received in 2023.
The Stillaguamish River in Arlington reached a record high of 6.50 m (21.34 feet) on December 5, surpassing the previous record set in 2010.
Major flood stages were reported along the Skagit River near Concrete and moderate flood stages along the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skokomish, and Cowlitz Rivers.
Rescue efforts have been extensive, with the US Coast Guard helicopter teams rescuing individuals from flooded homes and vehicles. Fire crews in Monroe, Washington, also conducted rescues from a flooded home, and in Granite Falls, at least 12 homes were reported as flooded.
Silvana, Washington, faced severe isolation, becoming reachable only by boat as roads were inundated. Fire department officials have advised the 200 residents to shelter in place.
In Oregon, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the recovery of a body in Bronson Creek, Beaverton, believed to have been swept away by the floods. Another body was recovered from Johnson Creek in Portland.
References:
1 USA – Floods in Washington and Oregon After Atmospheric River Dumps Record Rain – FloodList – December 6, 2023
2 Atmospheric River in US: Pacific Northwest Soaked with Record-breaking Rain, Unusual Warm Temperatures – News18 – December 6, 2023
Featured image credit: Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office
This weather storm (atmospheric river event) is not all inundating. We here in the pacific northwest are not “all” affected by this, although it was a lot of rain for this time of year.