Dramatic storms easing up in Pacific Northwest

SEATTLE (AP) — Forecasters say the dramatic storms in the Pacific Northwest that have left two people dead, flooded rivers and caused mudslides, including one that stranded drivers on a major north-south freeway, were easing up Thursday, but the threat from mudslides and flooding remained.

Drivers on Interstate 5 just 26 miles north of Portland, Oregon, have been stranded since Wednesday afternoon after northbound lanes were swamped by a massive landslide triggered by days of pounding rain.

The other weather danger hanging over the Pacific Northwest comes from high waves on the coast and inland waters that could cause coastal flooding, Cook said.

Residents throughout western Washington and Oregon were assessing damage Wednesday from the heavy rains and strong winds when another storm hit that night, cutting power to more residents and businesses.

People who live along the Snoqualmie River in Washington state are used to waters cresting the banks but the storms that slammed the Pacific Northwest this week were more intense and destructive than the locals have seen in some time.