Satellite image shows atmospheric river whipping toward Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A weak atmospheric river is on a direct path for Oregon as a storm churns off the western coast of North America.

The atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rain and warmer temperatures to Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington, KOIN 6 Meteorologist Josh Cozart says. Thursday’s satellite images show the tail of the storm extending from the coast of the Pacific Northwest to Hawaii. That tail of moisture is set to reach the Portland area by Friday night.

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“The atmospheric river not only comes with the expected mild temperatures and heavy rain, but the extension of moisture from Hawaii to Oregon,” Cozart said. “It’s the long tail of the spiral stretching to the south that technically makes this an atmospheric river. Pushing moisture from Hawaii to the Pacific Northwest come this weekend.”

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