Floods Follow Storm in NW

The massive storm that pummeled the Pacific Northwest this week has left treacherous flood conditions throughout Washington and Oregon. At least seven were dead as helicopters rescued residents from their rooftops, the AP reports. The main regional interstate has been shut for days—effectively doubling the distance between Seattle and Portland—and the waters threatened to compromise other major roads.

People are still waiting to survey the damage to their property, as many houses were under water. Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire toured the Aberdeen region, dropping in by helicopter to visit refugees. "It's hard to comprehend 5- to 10-feet under until you see those houses," Gregoire said. Meanwhile, the storm moved on to the Midwest, where several airports were facing huge delays. (More Pacific Northwest stories.)