The current episode elucidates the dire situation unfolding in the Pacific Northwest, where a potent atmospheric river has instigated severe flooding, prompting the governor of Washington to declare a statewide emergency. As multiple rivers reach or exceed flood stage, the National Guard has been activated to assist in the response efforts. We explore the rapid rise of levee concerns, particularly in regions such as the Skagit, Snohomish, Chehalis, Cowlitz, and Puyallup basins, underscoring the critical need for residents to heed local evacuation guidance and avoid flooded roadways. Moreover, we discuss the implications of high wind warnings in southeastern Wyoming, where gusts have reached alarmingly high levels, resulting in hazardous driving conditions. This episode aims to provide an informed overview of the ongoing weather-related adversities, emphasizing the necessity for vigilance and preparedness in the face of such natural calamities.
A persistent atmospheric river continues to exert its influence over the Pacific Northwest, leading to severe weather conditions characterized by intense precipitation and resultant flooding. The governor of Washington has declared a statewide emergency, which has necessitated the activation of the National Guard to assist in mitigating the impact of the flooding that affects multiple rivers, some of which are reaching or exceeding flood stage. Concerns regarding levee integrity remain paramount, particularly in the Skagit, Snohomish, Chehalis, Cowlitz, and Puyallup basins, where swift rises in water levels pose a significant risk to the surrounding communities. Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoiding flooded roadways and adhering to local evacuation directives as the situation develops. As we navigate through this precarious weather event, the Weather Prediction Center has issued warnings for elevated rainfall risks across western Washington and northwest Oregon, with the potential for additional precipitation persisting into the weekend, thereby exacerbating the already critical conditions.
Takeaways:
The Pacific Northwest is currently experiencing severe weather conditions due to a powerful atmospheric river.
Governor of Washington has declared a statewide emergency, activating the National Guard for flood response.
Residents are advised to avoid flooded roads and adhere to local evacuation guidance promptly.
Wyoming is facing significant wind hazards, resulting in the closure of major highway segments.
Alaska has established a Bethel Assistance Hub to aid survivors from the recent West Coast storm.
New York continues to experience winter storm warnings due to lake effect snow and hazardous travel conditions.
Washington's governor declared a statewide emergency, activating the National Guard as multiple rivers reach or exceed flood stage.
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Rapid rises in levee concerns persist this morning, especially along the Skagit, Snohomish, Chehalis, Cowlitz and Puyallup basins.
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Avoid flooded roads and follow local evacuation guidance.
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The Weather Prediction center keeps a broad swath of western Washington and northwest Oregon in elevated excessive rainfall risk today.
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Additional rounds are possible into the weekend.
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Farther inland, high winds are creating dangerous driving in southeast Wyoming.
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WY dot lists multiple i80 and i25 segments closed to high profile vehicles due to extreme blowover risk in the Northeast.
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Lake effect snow and residual winter storm warnings continue this morning east of Lake Ontario, affecting commutes in parts of central and northern New York.
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Tropics remain quiet.
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No active cyclones in the Atlantic or eastern Pacific and there are no US Tsunami alerts.
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Alaska Recovery FEMA and partners open a Bethel Assistance hub today through December 19th to support survivors of the October West coast storm.
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Alaska NWS also flags bitter wind chills across parts of the South Central mainland.
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Let's run through the states.
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Alaska A Bethel Assistance Hub opens today and operates weekdays through December 19th to help survivors of the October west coast storm with FEMA registrations and recovery resources.
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Residents can also use disasterassistance.gov and state programs.
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New York Lake effect bands and lingering system snow continue across portions of Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis and nearby counties under winter storm warnings through early afternoon with blowing and drifting snow in open areas and slick roads.
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Localized snow showers and advisories remain elsewhere in the Mohawk Valley and Adirondacks, Oregon Flood warnings continue on select western Oregon rivers, including the Lucky Amute near Suvor, with travel impacts along parts of US101 and secondary routes where high water and recent slides have occurred.
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Portland's Transportation Bureau advises caution during periods of heavy rain and provides public sandbag locations.
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Statewide emergency remains in effect as an AR strength atmospheric river drives widespread river flooding, landslides and road closures.
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Multiple rivers are at moderate to major flood stage.
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Warnings are active across western Washington, including the Snoqualmie near Snoqualmie Falls, the Chehalis, Cowlitz, Satsop, Skookumchuk and Puyallup.
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Evacuation readiness continues in flood prone areas.
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Wyoming High wind warnings continue across southeast and south central wyoming with gusts 65-75 mph, W. Watt reports.
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I 80 and I 25 segments closed to high profile vehicles because of extreme blowover risk from Arlington through Laramie to Cheyenne and along stretches near Casper and Douglas.
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All other states have no significant updates in the last 24 hours.
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We'll keep tracking Pacific Northwest flooding, Wyoming wind impacts and New York lake effect through the day.
