Residents in the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada are bracing for record-setting floods as an atmospheric river continues to unleash heavy rain on already swollen rivers.
The US National Weather Service warns of potential catastrophic flooding in Oregon and Washington along the Skagit and Snohomish rivers.
In Canada, major highways leading to Vancouver are closed due to flooding, debris, and avalanche risks.
Evacuation orders have been issued for thousands, while forecasts predict more rain on Thursday.
In the US, Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday, indicating that approximately 100,000 residents could face evacuation orders.
The emergency declaration highlighted that ongoing rain and snow at mountain elevations may worsen flooding conditions, potentially impacting supply chains and transportation.
Skagit County has mandated immediate evacuations for those residing in floodplain areas, with around 75,000 people expected to be displaced.
In Canada, evacuation orders have been put in place for communities like Tulameen and Eastgate, with Abbotsford city authorities issuing urgent evacuations for several properties last night.
The atmospheric river phenomenon is responsible for the heavy rainfall, and although the heaviest rains may ease by Thursday afternoon, waters will continue to flow into rivers.
Another storm is anticipated by Sunday.
