After heavy rains swelled rivers and flooded neighborhoods in northern Washington, residents returned to soggy homes caked in mud. Many tried to salvage what they could.

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

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.

While the torrential downpour caused by an atmospheric river has slowed down, rivers and waterways continue to rise and flood in the state.

Flood cleanup is messy, tedious and stressful. Here are some tips to help navigate it.

Gov. Bob Ferguson and Sen. Patty Murray visited Mount Vernon on Saturday to see firsthand how the city’s floodwall safeguarded more than 200 downtown buildings during this week’s historic flooding.

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.

(Corrects range of rainfall totals to 6 to 20 inches, not 6 to 60 inches, in paragraph 6) By David Ryder and Steve Gorman BURLINGTON, Washington, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Residents and emergency crews in to