Washington, Seattle – After disastrous floods damaged the state a week and a half ago, Washington is once again under multiple “atmospheric rivers” threats that are expected to hit the state around Thanksgiving day.
As per the meteorologists, atmospheric rivers are massive plumes of water extending over the Pacific Northwest. If it continues to gather moisture, it can result in a 3 inch of continuous rain in the areas that recently had been the target of heavy flooding.
“New Atmospheric River containing rich subtropical Pacific moisture taking aim at the Pacific Northwest was expected to generate moderate-to-heavy rainfall overnight and again on Saturday,” – reported NWS news.
“A prolonged stretch of moderate-to-heavy rainfall combined with rapid snowmelt could lead to excess runoff,” the agency added.
National Weather Service officials have predicted periods of heavy to moderate rains making the first move on Wednesday towards the region while the state is still recovering from the recent damage which has now risen up to $10 million, caused by the atmospheric rivers.
The previously estimated damage for houses ranged from $15 to $20 million while for public infrastructure, it has crossed “tens of millions of dollars” and around $20 million for local businesses – cited Bellingham Herald, reported by Whatcom County officials.
On Nov 14, heavy rains drenched the region completely and caused the Nooksack River to outpour its banks and flood the nearby communities of Sumas, Everson, and Nooksack.
This disastrous situation led to the US – Canada border closure in Sumas and three flyovers in Bellingham. On the other hand, heavy landslides blocked the main north-south interstate route.
Director Jon Hutchings from Whatcom County Public Works Department stated, it has been more than 30 years since the state saw this kind of massive flooding.
Meanwhile, search for damage has been continued in the rest of the regions of Washington state as Governor Jay Inslee asked for federal emergency aid for the disastrous areas.
