Deadly Storms Hit Seattle Region

Landslides, a sinkhole and street flooding plauged the Seattle area Monday, leading to road closures, traffic jams, power outages and the death of at least two people. Governor Chris Gregoire has declared a state of emergency.

The Pineapple Express, a strong subtropical air jet stream originating in Hawaii, hit western Washington Sunday and could break this season's rainfall record. Approximately 3.5 in. of rain fell at Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport overnight. The jet stream hits the mountains surrounding Seattle and "wrings all the moisture out," according to Brad Colman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle. "It's like a fire hose aimed right at us."

Local communities have activated their Emergency Operations Centers, as heavy rains and subsequent flooding and mudslides have made for increased response needs. "We're certainly having some weather-related problems just due to the standing water," said Washington State Patrol Trooper Jeff Merrill.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph, flood watches and warnings, an avalanche warning, freezing rain and winter storm warnings have resulted in school closings, public transportation disruption and repair crew injuries. Wind and rain are expected to taper off this evening, and Colman predicts a relatively quiet weather week to follow.

Source: seattlepi.com