A severe atmospheric river caused catastrophic flooding in Washington state, forcing thousands to evacuate as rivers swelled and inundated communities, farms, and homes. Emergency responders conducted numerous water rescues, including one where a family and their animals were saved by boat from rapidly rising waters. Despite a brief break in the rain, water levels remain dangerously high with ongoing risks of levee failures and mudslides, complicating recovery efforts. Officials warn that more rain is forecast, potentially worsening the damage and prolonging the cleanup.

Meanwhile, a blast of Arctic air is sweeping south from Canada into the northern and central U.S., bringing dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills to the Upper Midwest and extending as far south as Alabama and Georgia. Cities like Minneapolis and Chicago are experiencing record lows, with the cold air mass expected to continue moving southeast over the weekend, impacting a wide swath of the country with frigid conditions.