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Flooding, Landslides Loom as Storms Hit PNW
5 Dec
Summary
- Atmospheric rivers will bring heavy rain and snow to the Pacific Northwest.
- Significant river flooding and landslide risks are expected by meteorologists.
- The second storm system on Monday and Tuesday poses the greatest threat.
A "series of atmospheric rivers" is set to drench the Pacific Northwest starting Friday, according to the National Weather Service. These phenomena, described as "rivers in the sky," transport significant water vapor and are known for causing heavy snow, rain, and strong winds. Meteorologists are particularly concerned about substantial rainfall, which could lead to considerable flooding of rivers and trigger landslides across Washington and Oregon.
The initial storm will begin saturating the region on Friday, with snow expected in higher elevations. However, the second storm system, predicted to arrive Monday and Tuesday, is anticipated to be the most significant, bringing the most substantial impacts. The National Weather Service issued a hydrologic outlook warning of rising rivers, potential urban flooding, and landslides due to saturated soil conditions.
Forecasters anticipate these storms will spread eastward, bringing rain to lower elevations and snow to the mountains of Idaho, western Montana, and Wyoming. Further precipitation is expected, with outlooks indicating a high chance of above-average rainfall in the Pacific Northwest through mid-December, potentially impacting water resources throughout the dry season.
