Flood threat grows for West Coast with storms poised to hit daily into next week

By Brett Rathbun, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist

January 16,2016; 12:12AM,EST

 

 

Storms will continue to roll across the northwestern United States into early next week, elevating the risk of flooding.
Widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are expected to fall from western Washington into northern California this weekend into Tuesday. The heaviest rain will focus on southwestern Oregon and far northern California where some areas could receive 3 to 6 inches of rain.
"Once again, the storm path is aimed at the western United States this weekend and into early next week," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Rinde said.

With new rounds of rain arriving in areas that have already been saturated from storms since December, there will be an increased threat for flash flooding from Seattle to San Francisco.
The next storm will roll into the West Coast during Friday night into Saturday morning.
"Three to four systems will move in from Saturday into Tuesday," Rinde said.
Following the storm on Saturday, another storm will approach the West Coast on Sunday, with the heaviest rain expected to fall across northern California.
Those traveling along Interstate 5 from Sacramento to Seattle to have to be alert for heavy downpours and puddling on roadways. Those traveling on the highways will want to reduce their speed to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

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Gusty winds for most of the storms will be confined to the coastal regions of Washington, Oregon and California. Winds could occasionally gust to 40 mph.
Portions of southwestern Oregon and northern California will benefit the most from this rainfall as it will continue to chip away at the drought across these areas.
Meanwhile, heavy snow will fall across the higher terrain into Tuesday. The heaviest snow will blanket the Cascades and the northern and central portions of the Sierra Nevada with totals expected to be measured in feet by early next week.
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"The consistent snowfall will bode well for replenishing glaciers and high mountain snowpack that is a vital water source for parts of the region come spring and summer," AccuWeather Meteorologist Evan Duffey said.
Between 6 and 12 inches of snow can fall across the Bitterroots, Blue Mountains, the Great Basin, Wasatch, Yellowstone National Park, the Tetons and Colorado Rockies through Tuesday morning.
Travel could be difficult across some of the passes, including Snoqualmie and Donner. Motorists are advised to adhere to travel restrictions, including the use of tire chains.

Snow will even make an appearance at times in Boise and Salt Lake City. A few inches of snow can fall in Salt Lake City while totals will be up to an inch in Boise. A few inches of snow can also fall across portions of Montana, including in Billings and Helena, this weekend.
The onslaught of storms will bring fresh powder for all skiers and snowboarders planning to hit the slopes. Those heading to the slopes should follow the rules of the ski resorts as there may be the potential for avalanches.
By the middle of next week and into next weekend, some relief will be in store as storms will approach the West Coast less frequently, around every two or three days. The next storm is expected to approach the coast Thursday into Friday.
It may not be until the end of January or early February when storms with significant rain and snow may return to Southern California.