Flooding Closes Major Highway In Washington State

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Major flooding from the fierce storm battering the Northwest has forced the closure of the main highway between Seattle and Portland, Oregon.<br/><br/>Transportation officials are

Tuesday, December 4th 2007, 7:49 am

By: News On 6

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Major flooding from the fierce storm battering the Northwest has forced the closure of the main highway between Seattle and Portland, Oregon.

Transportation officials are concerned that Interstate 5 may be under five feet of water Tuesday when a nearby river crests in southwestern Washington. The last time the highway had to be closed was 1996.

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire says the storm hasn't even peaked yet and she fears the worst is still be ahead.

A police official says they're working through the night to rescue people who are stranded in their homes near the freeway. Coast Guard and Navy helicopters are ferrying them to safety.

Both Washington and Oregon are under a state of emergency.