Mud slides close roads, trap motorists in Okanogan County

TWISP, Wash. (AP) — Officials in a north-central Washington county hard-hit by wildfire this summer say heavy rain has triggered flash floods and mud slides, damaging some homes, blocking portions of two highways and stranding some motorists. There were no immediate reports of injuries Thursday night. The Wenatchee World reports that Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers says some homes along State Highway 153 near Twisp were damaged by mudslides. Deputies were trying to reach the residences. Washington State Patrol Trooper Darren Wright says five to 10 vehicles were marooned on Highway 153 by mud and slides. He says those vehicles are in a safe area. The state Transportation Department says mud and debris have closed a nine-mile stretch of Highway 153 and a 25-mile section of State Highway 20. National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Fugazzi says more than an inch of rain was reported in one hour near Twisp in an area burned by the massive Carlton Complex wildfire.