A foot and a half of rain pushed the water levels of at least four rivers in Washington, including the Skagit River, to hit record highs, surpassing some of their previous records set over 35 years ago.

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

Drier weather is coming, but flooding effects are likely to continue for days across portions of western Washington state and northwestern Oregon.

Heavy rain continued to fall over parts of the state Thursday morning, prompting road closures, water rescues and suspension of Amtrak trains between Seattle and Vancouver.

Flood water is continuing to keep people from their homes and drivers off some major highways in western Washington.

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.

Tens of thousands of residents in western Washington are facing potential evacuation orders as another round of heavy rain drops on the region