Health
Atmospheric River to Bring Heavy Rain, Flood Risk
Health Points
- Atmospheric rivers will bring intense rain and wind to the Pacific Northwest this week.
- Flooding, mudslides, and power outages may occur due to rapid rainfall and strong gusts.
- Travel plans could be disrupted and staying home is advised during peak weather.
Meteorologists say an atmospheric river is set to sweep across the Pacific Northwest, bringing substantial rainfall and increased risk for hazardous conditions. Residents are encouraged to prepare for several days of challenging weather, including potential flooding and mudslides.
The first wave may arrive as early as tonight, with coastal areas of British Columbia, Washington, and northern Oregon facing strong winds as high as 50 miles per hour. Interior regions and coasts could see widespread rainfall, with some spots reaching up to six inches by Sunday.
“Atmospheric Rivers are most common from November to January in the Northwest into Northern California. They also usually dump heavy rain in a short time period; within 24 hours, several inches can trigger flooding and mudslides,” explained AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill.
Communities recently coping with drought may notice immediate relief, but these storms could also bring excess moisture in a short amount of time, leading to dangerous conditions. Higher elevations will mostly get rain due to warm air associated with this weather system, while lower mountain zones could experience some snow.
Expect possible travel delays both on roads and at airports as the system moves through. This weekend is ideal for getting cozy indoors and enjoying favorite pastimes at home while weather conditions improve.
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