SEATTLE – Heavy rains in the Pacific Northwest have triggered mudslides as they swell rivers and place small towns in Washington and areas of Portland under flood threat.
Forecasters say storms are expected to dump up to 6 inches of rain in a day.
Portland officials warned residents in flood-prone areas such as the Johnson Creek watershed to be prepared to evacuate. The tributary empties in the Willamette River about six miles south of downtown Portland.
A mudslide near Skykomish in central Washington prompted the closure of US Highway 2 early Sunday. A day earlier, transportation officials said mudslides forced the suspension of Amtrak service between Portland and Seattle until Monday.
The National Weather Service expects the Chahalis, Snohomish and Snoqualmie rivers in Washington state to reach flood stage.
