An unprecedented atmospheric phenomenon stretching 11,000 kilometers from near the Philippines to North America's Pacific Northwest continues to batter Washington and Oregon this week. Meteorologists describe the weather system as a 'river in the sky' – a concentrated moisture band causing relentless rainfall since December 8.
Local authorities have declared states of emergency as rivers overflow their banks, with the National Weather Service warning of imminent landslide risks due to saturated soils. While the region is accustomed to winter storms, the duration and intensity of this event have surpassed typical seasonal patterns.
Residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to prepare for evacuation, with emergency response teams positioning resources near vulnerable communities. The storm's unusual trajectory has drawn attention from climate scientists studying connections between tropical moisture systems and mid-latitude weather patterns.
CGTN's Roza Kazan contributed to this weather report.
