Atmospheric River to Slam Oregon, Washington, and Idaho With Flooding Rain, Landslides, Heavy Snow, and Damaging Winds Through Thursday
PACIFIC NORTHWEST — A powerful atmospheric river is moving into Oregon, Washington, and parts of Idaho tonight, bringing the risk of flooding, landslides, damaging winds, and significant mountain snow through Thursday. Forecasters warn that this system will concentrate its heaviest impacts on western Oregon, where the most intense rainfall bands are expected to set up.
Heavy Rain Targets Western Oregon and Western Washington
According to early projections, the western Oregon lowlands will receive 1–3 inches of rain, with isolated pockets reaching 4–6 inches. Farther north into southwestern Washington, totals of 1–2 inches are expected from the coast inland through the Puget Sound region and into the northwest interior.
Rainfall rates may increase overnight, heightening the concerns for localized flooding and landslide activity, especially where soils remain saturated from earlier storms.
Snow Possible for Spokane, Pullman, Boise as Snow Levels Stay Low Early Thursday
On the east side of the Cascades, snow levels are forecast to be below 1,500 feet early Thursday, allowing Spokane, Pullman, and Boise to potentially see a rain–snow mix or periods of snowfall. Snow levels will rise later in the day, leading to a changeover back to rain in many valleys.
Major Snowstorm for the Cascades
The Washington Cascades are expected to receive over a foot of snow, with several inches also likely across the Oregon Cascades. Higher mountain passes may become extremely hazardous as snowfall intensifies.
Snow levels will rise early Thursday, limiting accumulations to the highest peaks in Oregon during the day, but snow levels crash again Thursday night into Friday, potentially bringing heavy snow back down to pass levels, with 1–2 feet possible by the weekend.
Damaging Winds for Inland and Coastal Oregon
Wind is another significant concern with this atmospheric river. Inland areas may experience 35–50 mph winds, while coastal Oregon could see gusts up to 60 mph, strong enough to down trees and lead to sporadic power outages.
Communities Urged to Prepare for Multi-Hazard Impacts
With the combination of torrential rain, heavy mountain snow, and strong winds, residents across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho should stay updated on evolving warnings, avoid unnecessary mountain travel, and remain alert for flooding or falling debris. For more real-time weather coverage and local updates, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.