A severe storm system will continue to produce heavy mountain snow, rain, and strong winds to the Pacific Northwest and northern California into midweek.
A wind advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 to 4 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, with south winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 45 mph forecast in the Eugene-Springfield area and throughout the Willamette, Lower Columbia, and Cowlitz basins.
Strong winds will blow around any unprotected objects. Tree limbs could be blown down, causing some power outages.
High gusts are expected throughout the coast, with small craft advisories, storm warnings, and hazardous seas alerts. Hurricane-force winds are expected along the southern coast, from Florence to Point St. George, California.
The Weather Prediction Center has issued a marginal excessive rainfall projection’ for Tuesday as a band of heavy rain sweeps in following a cold front that is entering the region. On Wednesday, the flooding threat increases significantly; a moderate risk of excessive rainfall is in force, as flooding is expected.
Six to eight inches of rain could fall on Wednesday alone as a significant flow of moisture from the Pacific moves across the region due to a largely stationary area of severe low pressure in the Pacific.
Mountain ranges in the Northern Rockies, northern California, and the Cascades in Oregon and Washington could receive feet of heavy, wet snow. This snow may influence dangers. The winter storm severity index includes major to extreme damages, such as power outages and toppled trees.
Another significant hazard to the system is the strong winds caused by a deepening area of low pressure. Many coastal areas are under a storm warning with wind gusts above 70 mph and potential coastal flooding dangers.
When driving, use additional caution, especially if you are operating a high-profile vehicle. Protect outdoor things like garbage cans and other items that can easily fly around.
