What’s New
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued a slew of weather warnings across the Pacific Northwest ahead of an atmospheric river that could bring impacts to the U.S. as soon as Wednesday night.
Why It Matters
The Pacific Northwest is known for its atmospheric rivers, particularly during the winter months. They bring heavy rain and snow, typically to Oregon, Washington and California. Though the moisture-laden storms can help alleviate drought, they also pose life-threatening risks from mudslides and floods.
Back-to-back storms have hit the West Coast since late November, ramping up in mid-December. The most recent atmospheric river affected the Pacific Northwest Monday night into Tuesday. After a brief reprieve, another storm will strike Wednesday night, potentially snarling traffic for post-holiday travelers.
What To Know
As of Wednesday afternoon, the NWS had issued a high wind warning, storm warning, high surf warning, gale warning, winter weather advisory, high surf advisory, small craft advisory, hazardous seas warning, lake wind advisory, wind advisory, winter storm warning, coastal flood advisory and flood watchd, as well as a hydrologic outlook for California, Oregon and Washington.
Most warnings will begin on Wednesday if they haven’t already and will last at least through Thursday, with some extending into Friday.
Further inland, similar warnings will go into effect in northern Idaho and western Montana early Thursday morning as the storm moves eastward.
What People Are Saying
NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Rich Otto told Newsweek that winter weather associated with the atmospheric river, including rain and snow, will impact California through Sunday, bringing as much as 12 inches of additional precipitation. “If you live out there, there’s lots of rain and, if you’re high enough in the mountains, you’ll see a decent amount of snowfall,” he said.
NWS office in Pocatello, Idaho, said in an urgent winter weather message: “Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
NWS office in Medford, Oregon, said in a high wind warning: “Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
What Happens Next
Snow and rain will continue in the West through the rest of the week before the storm begins to move inland and bring winter weather conditions to Idaho and Montana later this week.
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