A weather mix of rain, flooding, and snow is hitting the Pacific Northwest this week, and it could impact travel in the region through the holidays.
The Pacific Northwest includes the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Sometimes parts of neighboring states are included, such as western Montana and northern California. According to The Weather Channel, much of the region will be directly affected by this week’s inclement weather, including Western Washington, Oregon, and the Northern Rockies. Regarding the intense rain, ABC News noted earlier this week that the region was in for an atmospheric river. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) describes the weather phenomenon as “relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere – like rivers in the sky – that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics.”
Higher elevations in Washington have received — and will continue to receive — more rainfall than lower elevations. Rain has reportedly reached up to 10 inches, with up to 8 additional inches expected through Thursday.
Predictions foresee the Skagit River in northwest Washington reaching 3 to 5 feet above previously recorded highs. It is one of several bodies of water across the region and in central and northern Idaho expected to experience dramatic flooding.
According to the Associated Press, the National Weather Service claims that the Northern Rockies could get over a foot of snow.
Will The Current Weather Conditions In The Pacific Northwest Impact Holiday Travel To And From There?
Forecasters believe another rain-filled weather system will hit the region on the coattails of the one currently wreaking havoc.
Atmospheric rivers reportedly carry, on average, the same flow of water as at the mouth of the Mississippi River, per NOAA. The water vapor released during the phenomenon is often rain or snow. The impacts may include travel disruptions, property damage, and flooding. Those traveling to and from the Pacific Northwest for the remainder of the year should listen to local officials’ directives and check news outlets, tourism boards, and their accommodations. Those resources could help determine whether one’s trip will be affected by early December’s inclement weather. They may also provide updated information on road closures, car crashes, power outages, and evacuations.
Additionally, travelers should check for weather-related updates from their airline and departure airport before their flight.
The Weather Channel noted that rain in the impacted areas with higher elevations could make it harder for ski resorts to produce snow. It’s unclear if that will impact snowbirds on holiday season getaways to the Pacific Northwest’s ski resorts. Regardless, it’s likely that visitors can check powder conditions daily on their resort’s website before hitting the slopes.
