Pacific Northwest under flood alerts as atmospheric river brings heavy rain

Washington and Oregon are bracing for major flooding and possible evacuations as an atmospheric river event brings heavy rainfall to an already saturated region

Washington and Oregon are bracing for major flooding and possible evacuations as an atmospheric river event brings heavy rainfall to an already saturated region.

More than 6 million people are under flood watches in Western Washington through Friday, as well as parts of Idaho and western Montana, with more than 7 inches of rain expected.

Some 18 river locations in Washington are now forecast to experience major flooding.

Washington’s State Emergency Operations Center was activated Tuesday at level 1, its highest response level, Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement.

Firefighters have already used inflatable kayaks to rescue people trapped in submerged vehicles.