Washington state residents are bracing for possible mudslides and levee failures from floodwaters that are expected to be slow to recede.

The National Weather Service said there is a high likelihood of wind gusts reaching at least 45 miles per hour, with the potential for stronger gusts in some areas. Cooler temperatures later in the week are expected to lower snow levels, which could reduce flood risk but complicate response and recovery efforts in mountain communities.

The National Weather Service in Seattle issued a Flood Watch for western Washington due to expected heavy rain.

National Guard troops went door-to-door early Friday to evacuate a farming city north of Seattle as severe flooding throughout western Washington stranded families on rooftops, washed over bridges and ripped homes from their foundations.

An atmospheric river-fuelled storm is soaking Western Washington and other parts of the Pacific Northwest, bringing heavy rain and snowfall that’s resulted in flooding, road closures and emergency evacuations.

National Guard troops went door-to-door early Friday to evacuate a farming city north of Seattle as severe flooding throughout western Washington stranded families on

Meanwhile, residents of the Pacific Northwest braced for possible mudslides and levee failures as floodwaters slowly recede.

Days of heavy rain due to an atmospheric river that hit Washington state is culminating in the threat of record-breaking deadly flooding in some areas. "This situation is extremely serious," said Washington's Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson on Wednesday. "The next few days are critical."

Thousands have been ordered to flee rising waters across Washington state, with more flooding possible next week.