BURLINGTON, Wash. (AP) — Eddie Wicks and his family, living near the Snoqualmie River, faced an unexpected disaster as heavy rains transformed their peaceful farm into a flood zone. After years of enduring seasonal floods with minimal damage, the rapid rise of water caught them off-guard, swelling by four feet in a mere four hours.
“Past experiences led us to believe we had time,” Wicks shared as he and his family relocated their animals to safety amid rising tides. Just hours later, deputies from the King County Sheriff’s Office arrived to rescue them and their dog from their submerged home.
This incident exemplifies the widespread chaos wrought by an unusually strong atmospheric river that has dumped more than a foot of rain across western Washington, leading to the evacuation of thousands and prompting water rescues from various locations.
The severity of the flooding forced authorities to issue urgent evacuation orders, impacting the farming city of Burlington, home to nearly 10,000 residents. Emergency actions were taken quickly as the water levels rose dangerously, with reports of flooding reaching alarming heights.
In the aftermath, photos and videos revealed extensive damage across communities, highlighting the power of nature's fury. Emergency services responded by deploying helicopters to rescue stranded residents, while National Guard members assisted with evacuations.
“The conditions are dire,” noted Robert Ezelle, the Washington Military Department’s emergency management director, emphasizing the ongoing threat of further heavy rain and potential levee failures.
As rain predictions loom for the weekend, communities across western Washington brace for more upheaval, all while clinging to hope amidst the chaos. Fortunately, despite the intense conditions, not a single life has been lost thus far.
