The atmospheric river that has positioned itself over the Pacific Northwest over the last several days is gradually moving away from the region. However, the immense precipitation continued through most areas on Wednesday before it dissipates. Snow is up on deck next. Here is an update on this soggy forecast.
Plume of Moisture Lingering Across Pacific Northwest
This week's rainy weather event turned deadly on Monday when a man was swept away by floodwaters along Johnson Creek near the city of Portland. This fire hose of rain has drenched much of western Washington and Oregon since the end of last week, disrupting travel and other aspects of life.
This plume of precipitation is distinguished by the immense amounts of rain and snow that it is able to generate after pulling in moisture from the Pacific Ocean and dumping it over land. These rivers in the sky are able to stretch for thousands of miles, impacting millions of people in their path.
Wednesday's forecast across the impacted areas of the Northwest is calling for rainfall amounts of up to 1 - 2 inches per hour in the heaviest hit areas. As is typical with these atmospheric rivers, warmer temperatures will accompany the moisture. This increase in the mercury can trigger flooding as snow at the higher elevations begins to melt.