Seattleites are known to pooh-pooh the rain, but even die-hard locals — those born and raised here (not me) — were overwhelmed by the biblical nature of the rain in the past 48 hours. It is reported to be the second wettest day in Seattle’s history. To sum it up (most info from the Seattle P-I storm roundup, unless otherwise linked):
- 3 people died
- Nearly 5 inches of rain fell in 24 hours
- There is a 400-mile detour to get from Seattle to Portland
- 120 stranded people were rescued from their flooded homes by Coast Guard and Navy helicopters
- Two major mudslides, collapsed roads, and sinkholes, which have closed roads and stopped train service for points due north of Seattle and south to Portland
- Millions of gallons of raw sewage were released into Puget Sound as sewage treatment plants were overwhelmed
- 80,000 residents were without power at one point
- Gov. Chris Gregoire has declared a state of emergency
Note: The photo above is of a gorgeous rainbow over Elliott Bay after the a break in the rain. It was taken from the Zillow offices by Jennifer Wilson (assistant to Lloyd Frink) on her cell phone camera.