As I understand it, Ranier and St. Helens share a common caldera; hence activity at St. Helens may well provide some relief for Ranier. Having lived for a decade in the Seattle area, I can tell you that a Ranier blow would constitute a truly cataclysmic event (worse than Bush winning in '04).
At least they're more or less prepared at St. Helens. After the last blow the cities downwind (Yakima, Richland/Pasco/Kennewick, etc) were buried in a horrible, gritty ash that choked automobile engines and turned the sky night-dark. Pantyhose and cheesecloth around the air filters kept some people going for awhile but the gunk had to be cleaned out at frequent intervals.
Good luck to all there. You got a bunk if you live to reach Idaho...
Thanks, I didn't know that the two volcanoes had a common caldera. That could be real interesting if Ranier ever does go off as predicted. What I mean is, is anybody really watching Mt. Ranier now. The experts had said it would be the next one to erupt.