PACIFIC NORTHWEST — A prolonged stretch of active Pacific weather is underway across the Pacific Northwest, with several atmospheric rivers expected to bring rounds of heavy rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds through the weekend. The latest outlook from the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes shows potential for Category 4 atmospheric river conditions across parts of Washington and Oregon from Tuesday through Saturday. Repeated rounds of rain could lead to rising rivers, localized flooding, and an increased risk of landslides.
Washington Coast and Puget Sound See Heavy Rain
The heaviest rain in Washington is expected along the coast and the western slopes of the mountains. Aberdeen is projected to pick up around 4.63 inches through Sunday, making it one of the wettest spots in the region.
Seattle is expected to receive about 2.25 inches, while Victoria in British Columbia could see around 1.58 inches. Nanaimo on Vancouver Island is projected near 4.76 inches, highlighting how much moisture is streaming into the region.
Oregon Coast Could See Around 4 Inches
The Oregon coast is also in line for heavy totals, with Newport projected near 4.39 inches and Tillamook around 4.05 inches. Astoria is expected to receive about 4.02 inches, while Coos Bay could see around 3.91 inches.
Inland, Portland is projected to pick up about 1.58 inches, with Eugene near 2.05 inches. Rain will be heaviest along the coastal mountains and western Cascades, where moisture is forced upward by the terrain.
East of the Cascades Stays Much Drier
Areas east of the Cascades will see far less rain from this pattern. Yakima is projected near 0.27 inch, La Grande around 0.32 inch, and Lewiston in Idaho near 0.40 inch…