PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A strong atmospheric river is headed to the Pacific Northwest, taking aim at southwest Washington and northwest Oregon.
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KATU has declared a Storm Tracker 2 Weather Alert for heavy rain over a three-day period beginning Wednesday and continuing through Friday.
“This round of heavy rain will bring inches of rain to the Oregon Coast, Willamette Valley and Cascade foothills at first, then move up the mountains as the snow level rises,” said Storm Tracker 2 Digital Meteorologist Bobby Corser. “The snow level will quickly rise above the passes and settle around 6,000 feet at first.”
The snow level will climb even higher, especially Wednesday night. It will drop back to around 6,000 feet Thursday and Friday.
About a foot of snow is expected at Government Camp before it changes to rain late Wednesday.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 5 p.m. on Wednesday. On the east side of the Cascades, a High Wind Warning will go into effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Winds will come from the southwest at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts possible to 60 mph.
Forecast models indicate the Portland area and central Willamette Valley could see between 3 and 6 inches of rain. Along the central and northern Oregon Coast, rainfall totals will range between 4 and 7 inches. The southern Willamette Valley will generally receive about an inch.
When the atmospheric river arrives Wednesday afternoon, winds will increase.
Gusts as high as 40 mph are expected in the Portland area. Gusts could be stronger in the Columbia River Gorge and in the mountains.
Early Thursday morning, winds will ease significantly as the associated cold front sags south. They will return late Thursday night as the front lifts north.
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Rivers along the coast and in the Coast Range will rise, but major flooding is not expected. Creeks and rivers in the Willamette Valley will also rise, but large-scale flooding is unlikely.
The National Weather Service in Portland says some river flooding could lead to minor inundation of flood-prone areas. Drivers should also be prepared for standing water on some city streets.
Saturday will bring a brief reprieve, but forecast models suggest another strong atmospheric river could arrive next week.