Sopping Northwest Hit Again by Pacific Storms

SEATTLE — Already battered by two winter storms, then deluged by rain and melting snow, a soggy Northwest was soaked again Tuesday by the leading edge of a new Pacific storm that threatened wind gusts up to 80 mph and more flooding.

Washington Gov. Mike Lowry proclaimed a state of emergency in four more counties, bringing the number where emergencies have been declared in the state to 19 since a series of punishing winter storms hit last week, causing widespread property damage, flooding and mudslides.

About 150 National Guard members were dispensing 180,000 sandbags and deploying 20 or 30 Humvees to help local emergency workers.

“This is a dangerous storm with potentially damaging winds. . . . The recent heavy snow, rain and local flooding will increase the likelihood that trees will be toppled by the high wind,” the National Weather Service said.

Rain was already falling Tuesday evening, but the full force of the storm was expected later.

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn said insured damage to businesses and homes from the series of storms likely will top $125 million. Some estimates put the eventual total at nearly three times that amount.

On the bright side Tuesday, one of the three main routes across the Cascade Range was reopened: U.S. 12 through White Pass. That lone route opened just in time. Shortages of gasoline, milk and other supplies were starting to develop in eastern Washington towns that rely on truck deliveries. Interstate 90 across Snoqualmie Pass and U.S. 2 through Stevens Pass remained closed.

In Oregon, authorities reopened the westbound lanes of Interstate 84, the state’s main east-west route, and eastbound lanes were expected to reopen soon. The freeway had been closed for two days by icy conditions and snow slides.

Scores of flat roofs collapsed under the weight of snow, damaging stores, warehouses, carports, marinas and a high school gym in Entiat. On Tuesday, at least two West Seattle homes were shifting off their foundations in soggy soil, and mudslides damaged three homes on Camano Island.