‘Atmospheric river’ fuels rains, snow in Pacific Northwest

SEATTLE

A strong storm fueled by an “atmospheric river” brought rain, snow and threat of flooding and avalanches on Monday to the Pacific Northwest. Forecasters said a new daily rainfall record was set in Seattle Monday with 2.49 inches of rain and the rainfall total over 48 hours was close to surpassing the normal precipitation for all of February. Heavy snowfall and avalanche dangers for hours closed Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass over the Cascade Mountains. Flood watches and warnings were in effect through Wednesday for rivers throughout the region. A flood watch was issued for the northwest Oregon coast. Atmospheric river storms are fueled by long and wide plumes of moistures pulled in from the Pacific.