Atmospheric River Hits Pacific Northwest, Causes Deaths

A major storm described as an 'atmospheric river' has caused significant disruption across the Pacific Northwest and California, resulting in two fatalities and widespread power outages affecting hundreds of thousands. In Washington state, power was knocked out for over 600,000 homes and businesses due to strong winds and heavy rain, while similar conditions were experienced in Oregon, Northern California, and parts of British Columbia. The storm has moved to California, causing record rainfall in Santa Rosa, where a new three-day precipitation record of 12.5 inches was set, leading to mudslides and flooding. In the eastern United States, a separate storm brought heavy snow and rain to the Northeast and central Appalachia, with blizzard warnings issued in areas including West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Emergency services are actively responding to the chaos, with warming centers opened in Seattle and ongoing efforts to restore power and clear debris. Travel remains hazardous in affected areas, with several roads closed and schools across western Washington having canceled or delayed classes.