1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am requesting urgent attention to the devastating impact of the recent bomb cyclone that struck the Pacific Northwest, with Snohomish County, Washington, enduring some of the most severe damage. This catastrophic weather event has overwhelmed our communities, causing extensive property destruction, infrastructure failure, and immense financial strain on residents. Devastation Across the Pacific Northwest: The cyclone, marked by rapid intensification, brought hurricane-force winds, torrential rain, and widespread damage to the region. Over 600,000 residents across Washington State experienced power outages, with many areas still awaiting full restoration. Tragically, at least two lives were lost due to falling trees, highlighting the human toll of this disaster. Infrastructure, including roads and utility systems, suffered significant damage, and essential services were severely disrupted. Snohomish County: Hardest Hit Snohomish County faced particularly severe consequences: • Severe Property Damage: The storm toppled thousands of trees and left debris scattered across residential and public properties. Cleanup costs for many homeowners are approaching $100,000, yet most insurance policies exclude coverage for non-structural damage, leaving families in financial distress. • Extended Power Outages: Power restoration efforts in Snohomish County are ongoing, with residents enduring days without electricity, exacerbating hardships. • Blocked Roads and Hazardous Conditions: Downed trees and power lines have made transportation difficult, delaying recovery efforts and posing ongoing safety risks. Immediate Need for Action Given the scale of this disaster, state and federal assistance is urgently needed to support recovery efforts in Snohomish County and throughout the Pacific Northwest. We respectfully request the following: 1. Declare a State of Emergency: A declaration will unlock critical resources and facilitate faster response and recovery. 2. Federal Disaster Assistance: Advocate for FEMA disaster relief to support homeowners with uninsured cleanup and restoration costs. 3. Infrastructure Support: Allocate funds to repair and enhance public infrastructure, ensuring our communities are better prepared for future extreme weather events. 4. Emergency Relief Programs: Implement temporary financial relief programs to alleviate the immediate financial burdens on affected families. 5. Long-term Resilience Planning: Invest in regional emergency preparedness strategies to strengthen our ability to withstand and recover from similar events. The Pacific Northwest has shown remarkable resilience in the face of this unprecedented storm, but the challenges we face are insurmountable without substantial support. Your leadership in addressing this crisis will not only help our communities recover but also demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of your constituents. Thank you for your immediate attention to this urgent matter.