A Flood Watch has been issued for areas west of the Cascades in western Oregon and Washington due to the heavy rainfall.
Cities such as Portland, Eugene, and Seattle are at risk for up to 12 inches of rain due to an atmospheric river.
The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes rates this atmospheric river as a Level 4, the second-highest level of intensity.
The Pacific Northwest is currently facing a significant weather event known as an atmospheric river, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding to the region. Cities such as Portland, Eugene, and Seattle are at risk for up to 12 inches of rain, according to a new map. This atmospheric river could be indicative of similar storms to come later this winter due to El Niño.
Atmospheric rivers are long regions in the atmosphere that transport water. When they make landfall, they can cause extreme flooding. These storms are caused by winds over the Pacific drawing moisture from the tropics and channeling it toward the West Coast. Three to seven inches of rain could drench parts of Washington and Oregon, while more than a foot of snow could fall in areas of Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah.
A Flood Watch has been issued for areas west of the Cascades in western Oregon and Washington due to the heavy rainfall. The forecasted rain on already soaked soil increases the risk of landslides. The National Weather Service warns of potential flooding in rivers, creeks, and urban areas. Another frontal system will bring more rain on Monday and Tuesday, primarily in western Washington.
The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes rates this atmospheric river as a Level 4, the second-highest level of intensity. Multiple additional atmospheric rivers are forecasted for December, indicating a potentially wet winter season for the Pacific Northwest.
Three to seven inches of rain could drench parts of Washington and Oregon, while more than a foot of snow could fall in areas of Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah.
The storms are caused by winds over the Pacific drawing moisture from the tropics and channeling it toward the West Coast.