Expect Snow and High Winds This Weekend in the Pacific Northwest

A major weekend storm will affect the Western United States for the Veterans Day weekend. The National Weather Service has a winter storm warning for the Northern Cascades, but they are not the only ones that will see nasty weather this weekend.

This will be the second of three storms that could impact the area. Many areas of Washington and Oregon saw rainfall during the first week of November that was higher than their total during October.

This is the first significant rain that has fallen since Spring in many areas. For example, in Medford, Oregon, only 0.72 inches of rain from June 1 to September 1, which is 57% below the average amount. Therefore, these storms are welcomed for the moisture that they will bring.

A third storm could move through the area starting on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Washington's Cascade Mountains

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Northern Cascades from 10 p.m. November 10, 2023, to 10 p.m. November 11, 2023. They say up to 24 inches of snow could fall in elevations above 5,000 feet in the Cascade Mountains.

They believe the Mt. Baker Ski Area will receive around 18 inches of snow, and the Rainy Pass area could receive up to a foot of snow.

Drivers should check current road conditions before setting out. The Washington Department of Transportation has closed Chinook Pass through Mount Rainier National Park and Cayuse Pass between Crystal Mountain Boulevard and Stevens Canyon Road. More road closures may occur, so be sure to stay updated.

Puget Sound Weekend Weather

The National Weather Service has also issued warnings for the Puget Sound region. A Gale Force Warning was in effect until 4 a.m. November 11, 2023, and it is followed by a Small Craft Advisory that will last from 4 a.m. on Saturday until 4 a.m. Sunday morning.

The area between Cape Flattery and Cape Shoalwater, Washington, is particularly concerning, where winds could blow up to 45 miles per hour. The strong winds could cause coastal flooding. It could also bring some trees down.

If they fall on power lines, some residents may lose electricity as temperatures dip to near 45 degrees on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Seattle and Tacoma, Washington

The National Weather Service has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Seattle and the surrounding area from 7 p.m. November 10, 2023, until 7 a.m. Saturday morning. Winds could blow out of the south constantly at about 25 miles per hour, with some gusts up to 50 miles per hour.

Residents in Seattle should see between 0.01 and 0.25 inches of rain on Saturday. The heaviest rain should fall before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Do not expect temperatures to top 54 degrees on Saturday. Rain chances are high for the next few days.

Montana

The National Weather Service has also issued a high wind warning for Helena, Montana, and areas to the north. Wind gusts caused by a low in the area should be powerful on Saturday through daylight hours.

Strong upper-level winds may break through the slower winds currently near the surface. Therefore, people in Northern Montana could see winds up to 60 miles per hour.

People along the Rocky Mountain Front may receive up to 4 inches of snow on Saturday. Coupled with the strong winds, blizzard-like conditions may occur. Therefore, you should expect more weather warnings as the weekend progresses.

Oregon

People in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and along the foothills of the Blue Mountains will be under a strong wind advisory from 7 a.m. Saturday morning to 7 p.m. Saturday night. Southwest winds should constantly blow at about 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 miles per hour possible.

In Salem, Oregon, forecasters expect temperatures to rise to about 55 degrees and rain on Saturday, although the rain should end on Sunday with temperatures reaching about 55 degrees.

Meanwhile, in Portland, Oregon, it should rain on Saturday, with temperatures nearing 54 degrees. Fog may move in after 11 p.m. Saturday night, with fog continuing to about 11 a.m. on Sunday. Then, it should begin raining again on Sunday, with highs reaching about 57 degrees.

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