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Pineapple Express Slams West Coast With Rain and Snow
15 Dec
Summary
- An atmospheric river brings heavy rain, snow, and winds to western states.
- Ground saturation increases risks for flooding and mudslides.
- A second storm event may bring heaviest rain to western Oregon and northern California.
An atmospheric river, dubbed the Pineapple Express, is currently impacting western Washington, Oregon, and northwestern California, bringing significant rainfall, snow, and powerful winds. This event follows closely on the heels of recent storms that have already led to rising rivers and flooding across the Pacific Northwest.
Weather experts caution that the ground, already saturated from previous storms, faces an increased risk of widespread flooding and mudslides. Snow levels are expected to drop significantly, potentially bringing accumulating snow to lower elevations. Several inches of additional rain could exacerbate existing flood conditions on some rivers.
A possibility exists for a separate atmospheric river event later in the week, potentially directing its heaviest rain toward western Oregon and northern California. While this upcoming system may not be as strong as the previous week's event, it is expected to renew flooding concerns in the affected regions.
