WeatherFanatics: Weekend Storm to Soak the Pacific Northwest

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Weekend Storm to Soak the Pacific Northwest

By Brian Lada, Meteorologist

December 17,2014; 9:21PM,EST

A train of storms will continue to deliver rain to the Pacific Northwest with one particular storm this weekend likely to be the strongest of the bunch.
After a break of mainly dry weather for much of the region on Thursday, unsettled conditions will return and continue through the weekend.
Holiday shoppers trying to avoid the rain may want to head out to the stores on Thursday, although spotty showers may still dampen the region.
The first wave of steady rain is forecast to move through on Friday, making for a wet day along Interstate 5 with snow falling over the Cascade Mountains. Some snowflakes may even be seen as low as 4,000 feet.

The more potent rainstorm is expected to move into the region on Saturday and continue into Sunday with the worst conditions forecast to hit west of the Cascades.
Seattle, Olympia, and Bellingham, Washington, and Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Medford, Oregon, can all receive 1 to 2 inches of rain from this storm with some areas picking up as much as 4 inches by Sunday night.
Motorists should use caution while driving in this rain as it can lead to poor visibility and even flooded roadways.
If you come across a flooded road, you should find an alternate route to your destination.

Gusty winds will accompany the heavy rain, raising the potential for flight delays and localized power outages.
The strongest wind gusts are in store for the immediate coast, bringing the additional threat of coastal flooding.
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Dry weather is expected to make a brief return to kick off the upcoming week as an area of high pressure moves over the area.
These dry conditions will be short-lived; however, as yet another storm looks to bring more rain to the region for Tuesday.
At this early stage, it appears the storm on Tuesday will not be as potent as the storm from this weekend.

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