Approximately 193,463 customers are without power on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. ET, according to USA TODAY's power outage tracker. Oregon, Washington's southern neighbor, is also grappling with power outages.

Thousands of people are without power in Washington and a flood watch is in effect for Seattle on Wednesday as the worst of the heavy rain and gusty winds smack the state today. FOX Weather Correspond

The extent of the damage in Washington state is profound but unclear after more than a week of heavy rains and record flooding, Gov. Bob Ferguson said Tuesday, as more high water, mudslides and power outages were in the forecast.

Drier weather is coming, but flooding effects are likely to continue for days across portions of western Washington state and northwestern Oregon.

Heavy rain​ has triggered flooding, rescues and road closures in Washington state, with Gov. Bob Ferguson declaring a statewide emergency​.

Washington state residents are bracing for possible mudslides and levee failures from floodwaters that are expected to be slow to recede.

As flooding in Washington continues to cause people to leave their homes, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the coming week.

While the torrential downpour caused by an atmospheric river has slowed down, rivers and waterways continue to rise and flood in the state.

“Due to the rising water levels in the Snohomish river adjacent to the shelter, the Everett Animal Shelter is at significant risk of flooding,” Everett Animal Shelter in Everett, Washington said. “Out of an abundance of caution, we will be initiating a temporary evacuation of the animals to ensure their safety and well-being.”

Gov. Bob Ferguson and other local leaders took questions in Whatcom County Wednesday afternoon about the flooding impacts and recovery efforts.