Pacific Northwest Hunkers Down as Storm Train Ignites

The rainy season has officially arrived along the West Coast. An atmospheric river set up over much of the region late in the week, threatening a wet and stormy weekend ahead. Here is an updated look at what to expect in the days ahead as the volatile weather pattern grips this edge of the country.

Latest Developments on West Coast Atmospheric River

As many as five storms are on tap for the Pacific Northwest and Northern California beginning on Friday and lingering well into next week. The train of storms will deliver heavy rainfall, accumulating snow in the mountains, and gusty winds. Residents should prepare for widespread power outages, frequent travel disruptions, and the chance of flash flooding.

The leading storm has been classified as an atmospheric river, ushering in a firehose of moisture to the region. Recent satellite images show the plume of moisture stretching from Japan, all the way across the Pacific and into the northwestern U.S.

Moisture will be welcomed in the parts of the West that have been suffering from a long-term drought. However, the rate of rainfall will be heavy enough at times to cause significant disruptions. In addition to standard flash flooding concerns, debris flows and mudslides worries will persist into next week. This concern will be the greatest in areas with recent burn scars.