'Sno-Maggedon' in Washington

Sno-maggedon is the term used by local residents in their description of the record snowfall in Washington over the past several weeks. As much as 7 feet of snow has fallen in the past three weeks leaving residents in the area worried about getting back to school and work. The National Guard has even been called into the area to assist in the removal of the heavy snow. One man was even arrested in what has been called a 'snow rage'.

In Oregon, the Weather Channel reported record snowfall amounts of 22 inches. This is over four times the average annual snowfall amount of 5.2 inches. Read the full briefing from the National Weather Service on the January snow and flooding events.

Even though the weather has been treacherous, another surprising weather record has also been broken. At Wenatchee Airport in Washington, a record high temperature of 50 degrees shattered the old record of 46 degrees set in 2007. These warm temperatures are exactly why rain and melting snow have caused extensive flooding. While the risks for an avalanche are greater in wet or rainy conditions, another danger exists in the possibilities of a roof collapse. Increased weight from the heavy rains is deposited on the existing snow on rooftops. Several dangerous collapses have already occurred. Many schools and businesses have been closed as a result. At least 25,000 people had to be evacuated due to the flooding according to the Associated Press.

In effect are multiple flood warnings in Washington. Even as the Northwest digs out of the deep snow, states from Pennsylvania to Maine are expecting a new round of winter storms. Check the official National Weather Service watches and warnings for your state now.