It started with the unceasing beat of rain beating roofs, and this beat was soon changed into the noise of the river in flood. Washington experienced one of the most intense rainfalls in decades in mid-December when a powerful atmospheric river stalled above the state and dropped over five trillion gallons of rainfall in one week. The floods had raised several rivers to unheard-of levels, forcing Governor Bob Ferguson to declare a State of Emergency and call in the National Guard.
1. Rivers Over Top Historical Record
Record-breaking rains pushed the Skagit River at Mount Vernon to 37.7 feet which is the highest in the records since at least 1906. The Snohomish River rose to an all-time high of 34 feet and the Cedar River at Renton poured over five feet above the flooding mark. These levels put thousands of people in evacuation order as Skagit County encouraged all its inhabitants within the 100-year floodplain to find higher ground.
2. Mass Evacuations and Rescue
In a single night, dozens of swiftwater rescues were done by emergency crews, such as 24 individuals, four cats and two dogs who were saved in Snohomish County. National Guardsmen in Burlington did door-to-door evacuations of around 11,000 residents as floodwaters of Gages Slough started flowing into houses. Shelters were opened in the counties affected and displaced citizens turned to the shelters.
3. Transportation Interruptions and Damage to Infrastructure
There was flooding and slide of debris that blocked major transportation routes, such as along Interstate 90, north of Bend, and Stevens Pass. More than 30 major roads were closed nationwide. Moreover, homes were destroyed by landslides, and highways were blocked, and high winds felled trees, and power lines, making the effort to recover even more difficult.
4. The Federal and State Emergency Support
FEMA was allowed to deliver essential aid after President Donald Trump signed federal emergency aid to 16 counties and various Tribal Nations. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called a state of emergency of health care, which provided health care providers with flexibility to address the needs of the population. Governor Ferguson issued a directive on 1 million of the Disaster Cash Assistance Program which was soon depleted serving over 2,000 families.
5. The Sharp Danger of the Atmospheric River
In the West Coast, 3050 percent of the annual precipitation falls into the hands of atmospheric rivers long belts of moisture. This occurrence was defined as level 4 of 5 in severity, which was warm rain melting mountain snowpack. Rainfall combined with high rates of snowmelt flooded rivers and more than three-quarters of Washington rivers reported close to maximum streamflows.
6. Amplifying the risks of floods by climate change
Hotter air retains more moisture, leading to the severity of drastic rainfalls. The scientific studies indicate that climate change has the ability to increase the amount of rainfall in the large events in the atmospheric rivers by 11 15%. It is projected that extreme rainfall in the Pacific Northwest may increase by as much as 15% within the next 25 years resulting in very frequent instances of floods.
7. Coming to terms with the Emotional Impact
Flooding is an emotion disaster as well as a physical disaster. Often, the inhabitants feel anxiety, insomnia, or repetitive thoughts regarding the event. Experts also suggest routines, reducing contact with upsetting news, and communicating with friends and family members who are supportive. The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7 free and confidential counseling line.
8. Flood Safety Tips
The government advises people to listen to evacuation messages, not to drive over floodwater and obey road closure signs. Preparation of emergency kits, the knowledge of local shelter locations and keeping people informed through official sources are part of flood safety. Where there is a risk of flooding, it is good to consider raising high the important utilities and ensuring that important documents are kept in waterproof boxes.
9. Looking Ahead
There is an additional atmospheric river that is expected to land in a few days and another 2-3 inches of rainfall are likely. The longer term projections keep the Northwest on the move with the value of the precipitation above average in mid- to late- December. With climate change increasing such events, communities have to manage the issue of infrastructure and emergency planning that is responsive to changing risks.
Although Washington floodwalls, emergency responders, and orchestrated response saved even more lives this time, the event highlights a grim truth about atmospheric rivers they are being more threatening, and preparedness, be it physical or emotional, is the most crucial defense.
