Heavier Storm to Bring Extreme Weather All Over American Northwest

After a storm passed through the Northwest on Saturday and Sunday, a second, heavier storm is anticipated to hit the region early next week, bringing flooding rain, severe winds, and mountain snow.

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First Two Storms

The first of two storms that delivered precipitation to the northwest United States dumped over 0.25 inches of rain in Medford, Oregon. Despite the monthly average of over 2 inches, this is significantly above February's total precipitation of approximately 0.08 of an inch.

This has been the case in several Northwestern cities, and March is far from finished, with at least one more storm in the forecast. As the usual workweek begins, rain and mountain snow is expected to increase.

The majority of the jet stream energy will remain in Canada for most of the week. Still, there will be some dips into the Northwest United States, including rain and mountain snow on Sunday, and another round into Tuesday, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Rinde.

Immediate Follow-Up

This second phase is expected to linger through Tuesday night, causing transport delays and inconveniences in numerous areas, particularly near mountain passes. On Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a hydrologic outlook for western Washington, warning of rising rivers. The Skokomish River near Potlatch is expected to reach moderate flooding status on Tuesday, with a height of over 16 feet.

The storm's center will be along the Canadian coast on Monday. Still, the associated cold front to the south will be quite strong, with heavy rain arriving later Monday into Monday night, and then snow levels falling into the day Tuesday, according to Rinde. He added that the moisture would also extend into the northern Rockies Tuesday into Tuesday night.

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Expect Rains

Locally heavy rain is expected in Seattle and Spokane, Washington, and Portland and Medford, Oregon, through Monday night, with showers on Tuesday. Rain is also forecast for towns in Northern California, including San Francisco and Sacramento. On Tuesday, rain and showers will arrive in Boise, Idaho, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Winter weather is forecast in the Cascades, with snow accumulations and severe winds expected above 3,000 feet. On Sunday, the National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories for the mountain range, warning motorists that significant hourly snowfall rates might make driving difficult or impossible. High wind warnings and advisories were also issued for California, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington on Sunday.

According to Senior Meteorologist Michael LeSeney, as the storm moves away from the West Coast, it will spread snow across the northern Rocky Mountains on Wednesday, then exit the Rockies and move out across the Great Plains on Thursday. Snow accumulation in the Colorado Rockies is expected to be a foot or more Thursday and Thursday night.

As the storm moves away from the Northwest, a break is expected, but homeowners should have their rain and snow gear on hand.

There will be a break in the stormy weather on Wednesday, but another wave of rain and mountain snow might arrive Thursday and Friday, according to Rinde.

This active trend will target the steady rain towards Washington, with Oregon seeing mostly showers on Thursday. However, forecasters anticipate showers or even dry weather for most locations by the end of the day Friday.

Forecast

Unfortunately for the rain-weary, AccuWeather long-range experts predict a more substantial storm with plenty of rainfall and colder air will arrive this weekend. Avalanche hazard will likely be high in the Cascades, as snow levels are expected to drop below pass levels, impeding transport once more. Flooding rain in coastal regions will also be an issue. However, there are certain advantages to this active pattern.