Next Atmospheric River Will Strike the Northwest Over Thanksgiving Week

Just as a cross-country storm is traversing the central and eastern U.S. over Thanksgiving week, another atmospheric river will also take aim at the Pacific Northwest. The major storm event will come after a weekend of showers for the coastal region of Washington and Oregon. Here is what you should expect in the days ahead in this corner of the country.

Surge of Rain Ahead of Next Big Atmospheric River in the Northwest

Heavy rain, high winds, and mountain snow are all likely impacts of an atmospheric river that is going to target the northwestern U.S. in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Forecasters are warning that the surge of activity will raise the threat of flash flooding and travel disruptions. First up will be another storm event that will move up and down the coast.

The rain showers will first hit the coasts of Washington and Oregon early this weekend. After a stretch of dry days, Seattle will once again see rain in the forecast on Saturday. While the day will start dry in the Emerald City, the moisture machine will turn on in the evening hours. A steady rain will develop overnight and persist through the day on Sunday. Highs will hover in the low to mid 50s in Seattle this weekend.

The line of rain is expected to dive to the south and into Portland, Salem, and Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday night and into Sunday. The persistent rain and low clouds could create low visibility on the roads throughout the weekend.

Sunday is setting up to be a gray day for Portland. The metro area in northern Oregon is bracing for about a quarter of an inch of rain. The clouds will keep the mercury stuck in the low 50s for a high. It will be a chilly overnight with lows forecast to slide into the mid to upper 30s.