An intense atmospheric river has unleashed what officials describe as western Washington’s most severe flooding in nearly 40 years, inundating communities from coastal towns to mountain valleys. Over just 72 hours,

Local agencies, national rescue organizations and community groups have rapidly responded to flooding in Washington, providing shelter and resources to victims.

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

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

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

Over a foot of rain has already fallen in the last few days, and more is on the way amid major flooding in Washington state.

A blast of arctic air swept south from Canada and spread into parts of the northern U.S., while residents of the Pacific Northwest braced for possible mudslides and levee failures from floodwaters