Quiet Period Across the Northwest Coming to an Abrupt End

It has been a relatively quiet start to the meteorological winter in the Pacific Northwest. That is all about to change as a new parade of storms lines up to strike the region in the coming days. Here is a more detailed look at what you should expect heading into the weekend in this corner of the country.

Storm Train Taking Aim at the Pacific Northwest

The unsettled weather pattern is back for the northwestern U.S. Forecasters are warning that heavy rain and mountain snow will bring along a host of potential impacts, including avalanche concerns, mudslides, and flooding.

First up in the line of storms will be a weak atmospheric river that was already beginning to impact the region on Thursday. This storm will intensify overnight Thursday and into Friday.

The good news for motorists is that snow levels are forecast to remain above the major passes in the Cascades through the weekend. In fact, snow levels will rise on Friday in the Cascades as warmer temperatures move in with the atmospheric river. Snow and ice will only be a concern at the top elevations.

The coastal areas of British Columbia, Washington state, and northern and central Oregon will continue to be socked in by rain through the end of the work week. The heavy rain will increase the chances of ponding on roadways, localized urban flooding, and rapid rises on small streams in the region.