Deadly crashes, mass power outages reported as atmospheric river brings flooding and strong winds to Oregon and Washington

An atmospheric river brought monster waves, high tides and strong winds to batter western Oregon and Washington. The weather led to fatal crashes, power outages and flooded homes on Tuesday. 

Although conditions in western Oregon became less intense on Wednesday, forecasters warned that the respite would likely be short-lived, as another storm system made its way south from Alaska, according to the National Weather Service. A coastal flood warning will remain active for parts of Washington state until 1 p.m. PT, the agency said.

As wind gusts as strong as 45 mph blew through Portland on Tuesday, Oregon State Police said multiple people died when their car hit a tree on U.S. 26 east of Cannon Beach, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.