Pacific north-west prepares to clean up after flooding and braces for more rain

Atmospheric rivers have pummeled the region, resulting in the deaths of two people in rushing floodwaters

Torrential rains that pummeled the Pacific north-west this week will begin to slow on Thursday, as the region examines the damage left in the wake of severe storms across Washington and Oregon.

The atmospheric river systems brought heavy rain, flooding and unseasonably warm temperatures to the region, forcing closures of schools and roads as authorities rescued people from raging rivers and submerged streets. Officials reported the death of two men whose bodies were recovered from rushing waters.