SEATTLE (AP) — A combination of high winds and heavy rainfall has resulted in severe damage across parts of Washington State and Idaho, injuring two children and leaving thousands without power. Wind gusts up to 85 miles per hour battered areas including Pullman, Washington, and cities in Idaho such as Moscow and Lewiston.
In a report from the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s office, it was noted that strong winds knocked down old trees, leading to life-threatening injuries for the children. Conditions were further complicated by existing flood damages that plagued the region over the past week.
Outages extended to over half a million power customers across Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, as residents reported damaged roofs and blown transformers. In light of these dangerous conditions, many communities remain under evacuation orders, and the risk of additional flooding and mudslides looms.
Governor Bob Ferguson has warned that the situation is profound and assessment of damages will be delayed as response efforts continue. As of now, there had been one reported death from an individual who drove into a flooded area, exacerbating concerns for public safety.
The ongoing barrage of storms has dumped nearly two feet of rain in parts of the Cascade Mountains, swelling rivers and necessitating over 600 rescues across multiple counties. News reports indicate that saturated levees have begun to fail, indicating that the worst may not yet be over for the region.
Local officials and the National Weather Service are preparing for an extended recovery process, urging residents to heed evacuation orders and remain vigilant as flood risks and power outages persist. As recovery efforts continue, the investment into emergency services and infrastructure will be crucial for regions affected by this extreme weather event.
