Atmospheric rivers continue to unleash persistent rain and strong winds across the West Coast. Although the current system over the Northwest has weakened, Washington and Northern California are still experiencing rainfall, with more significant precipitation anticipated later this weekend.
A Flood Watch is currently in effect for parts of western Washington and western Oregon until Saturday afternoon, as lingering rainfall may contribute to ongoing flooding issues. The ground in these regions remains saturated, and streams are elevated, decreasing the threshold for further flooding in the coming days.
The next atmospheric river system is expected to primarily impact northern California, starting later Saturday and lasting into Sunday. A Flood Watch is issued for much of Northern California, including significant urban areas like Redding and Sacramento, where some locations may receive between 4 to 6 inches of rain. While the Pacific Northwest isn’t expecting as much rain, 1 to 2 inches is still likely, along with substantial snow in the Cascades, potentially measuring several feet.
Looking ahead to Christmas Eve, another coastal storm will target the West Coast, particularly Southern California. Cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego may face over 4 inches of rain accompanied by strong winds. The Sierra Nevada mountains are projected to receive 2 to 4 feet of snowfall, which could render many mountain passes impassable.
On the other hand, the Northeast has settled after severe rain and wind battered the region, complicating holiday travel. Wind gusts exceeding 60 mph have already caused downed trees and power lines, leading to flight delays. However, conditions are improving, with cooler weather moving in and winds calming down, making travel more manageable.
As holiday week temperatures soar well above average across the nation, many cities, including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Albuquerque, are on track to break temperature records, creating a notable contrast to the ongoing weather challenges in the West Coast region. The dry, quiet conditions across much of the country provide a glimmer of hope for travelers during this busy season, despite the storms threatening important holiday activities on the West Coast.