An extreme atmospheric river causes significant flooding across the Pacific Northwest

Heavy, record-breaking rainfall is causing significant flooding, avalanche, and landslide risk across America's Pacific Northwest.

An extreme atmospheric river event, also known as the Pineapple Express, has drenched portions of western Washington and Oregon. While rain started over the weekend, Monday saw the heaviest rainfall with several large cities like Seattle and Portland, breaking daily records.

The deluge has prompted America's National Weather Service to issue Flood Warnings and Watches due to excessive runoff affecting rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Video shows flooded roads in Des Moines, Washington on Monday:

Seattle saw 2.97 inches of rain on Monday. According to the National Weather Service, this was the first 2+ inch total in February in 26 years.

Seattle usually only sees one day per year with daily rainfall totals of 2 inches or greater. This year it has already occurred twice, on January 6 and February 28.

While rain will remain in the affected areas through the next few hours, it will be more spotty and less persistent. Conditions should continue to slowly dry out allowing river levels to recede and snow levels to gradually lower, decreasing the risk for river flooding and avalanches. The rest of the week will be mostly dry with the return of unsettled weather by next week.