In brief
Eddie Wicks and his wife in Burlington, Washington, experienced rapid flooding, rising four feet in just four hours. An atmospheric river dumped significant rainfall across the region, forcing thousands to evacuate and rescuing residents from rooftops. While the National Guard aids in transport and safety measures, the risks of levee failures and mudslides continue amid predictions of more rain.
BURLINGTON, Wash. (RTW) — As residents in Burlington prepared for impending floods, they remained hopeful, considering their history with such events. However, the recent atmospheric river led to rainfall intensities beyond their previous experiences.
Eddie Wicks described the astonishing speed of rising waters, recalling how it surged by four feet in just four hours. The situation escalated quickly, transforming their farm into an aquatic landscape. After rescuing their animals, they were airlifted by the King County Sheriff’s marine unit.
Flooding throughout western and central Washington left thousands grappling with evacuation orders, with authorities conducting heroic rescues from rooftops and submerged vehicles.
The atmospheric river has unleashed a deluge of rain, exceeding 12 inches in some areas, leading to extensive community flooding and property damage. Emergency services, joined by National Guard members, have been actively reaching out to residents to ensure their safety and assist in evacuations.
Efforts to gauge the damage continue, and as the rains are set to resume on Sunday, authorities remain vigilant about additional threats, including levee failures and potential mudslides.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, no fatalities have been reported, showcasing the resilience of the communities in these arduous conditions.
