Hi, I'm Monica Nicholsberg.

And I'm Joshua McNacles.

We host KUOW's economy podcast, booming.

The Pacific Northwest has been booming for decades, and builders have struggled to keep up.

That's led to a housing shortage, a homelessness crisis, and transportation headaches.

But our region may see an even bigger population boom as climate change makes more places unlivable.

So is the Pacific Northwest ready for an influx of climate refugees?

Find booming on the KUOW app or wherever you listen.

Good afternoon.

From the KUOW Newsroom, this is Seattle now. I'm Paige Browning.

Before we get into it today, a reminder, it's our winter fundraising drive.

We could not deliver this reporting without listeners like you.

All of KOWW's work is community funded and people-powered.

That means the great coverage you've been hearing about the

flooding in our region comes from individual donations, people who decided to step up and support

our work financially. If you're able to help out with an end-of-year tax-deductible gift,

click the link in the show notes, and thank you so much.

It's now being called a crisis of significant proportions in Washington State.

Well, it will be some time before we know the full scope of the emotional, physical, and financial impact.

This natural disaster is undoubtedly one of the most devastating in our state's history.

Today, Governor Bob Ferguson implored people to stay alert about storm impacts,

saying we're in it for the long haul.

...