West Coast atmospheric rivers remain locked in on the region, even as the latest system over the Pacific Northwest begins to weaken. Rain has continued at times in parts of Washington and northern California, and forecasters have warned that additional precipitation could worsen lingering flooding where soils are already saturated.
In western Washington and western Oregon, flood watches have stayed in place into Saturday afternoon in some areas as rivers and streams remain elevated. Local reporting has emphasized that even lighter “spotty” rainfall can prolong flooding when the ground is saturated and drainage systems are already stressed.
Travel can also be affected beyond standing water. When heavy rain persists for days, the risk of slides and debris flows increases, especially along steep slopes and road cuts.
Northern California next in line for heavier rain
Forecasts indicate the next storm surge will shift the focus south, with northern California expected to take the brunt beginning later Saturday and continuing through Sunday. Flood watches have covered large parts of Northern California, including areas around Redding and Sacramento, with some locations projected to receive roughly 4 to 6 inches or more of rain.
That kind of rainfall can overwhelm creeks, small rivers, and urban drainage quickly, particularly when earlier storms have left ground conditions primed for runoff. The National Weather Service has repeatedly warned that intense bursts of rain can trigger flash flooding, especially near foothills and smaller waterways.
While northern California is expected to see the heaviest totals in this round, the far Pacific Northwest is not expected to be completely spared. Some areas could still see widespread rainfall of around 1 to 2 inches, with significant mountain snow in the Cascades.
Heavy mountain snow adds a second hazard
The same Pacific storm track feeding heavy rain at lower elevations is also expected to deliver substantial snowfall in mountain regions. Forecasts for the Sierra Nevada have called for feet of snow in favored areas, raising the risk of dangerous driving and potential mountain pass closures around the holiday travel period.
In the Sierra and Tahoe region, forecasters have warned that snowfall can become heavy and persistent during the strongest storm phases, with powerful winds creating near-whiteout conditions in exposed areas. These storms can quickly make chain controls, spinouts, and road closures more likely, especially on higher routes.
Christmas Eve storm shifts south toward Los Angeles and San Diego
Another coastal storm is expected to arrive by Christmas Eve (Wednesday), with Southern California projected to bear the brunt this time. Forecasts have indicated the potential for more than 4 inches of rain in parts of the Los Angeles and San Diego regions, along with gusty winds.
Heavy rain in Southern California can create problems quickly, even when totals are lower than in Northern California, because intense downpours can overwhelm storm drains and send water across roads. Local forecasts have also highlighted the risk of hazardous conditions in foothills and mountain communities, where runoff can move faster.
At the same time, the Sierra Nevada could see another major round of snow, with travel across higher passes at risk of becoming difficult or even impossible during the strongest periods.
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Northeast improves after Friday’s wind and rain
While the West faces repeated storms, conditions in the Northeast have calmed after a bout of rain and strong winds on Friday that complicated early holiday travel. Forecast coverage pointed to wind gusts that could exceed 60 mph, which can bring down trees and power lines and contribute to flight delays.
Behind the storm, colder but quieter weather has moved in, and winds have eased, improving travel conditions compared with Friday’s peak impacts.
A warmer-than-average week for much of the country
Away from the West Coast storm track, much of the country is expected to see a relatively quiet pattern during the holiday week, with above-average temperatures in many areas. Forecasts have suggested record highs may be challenged across parts of the central U.S., with cities including St. Louis, Kansas City, Tulsa, Amarillo, Sioux Falls, and Albuquerque among those in the mix.
The biggest exception remains the West Coast, where the parade of storms is forecast to continue through Christmas, keeping flooding, wind, and mountain snow as the primary holiday weather concerns.
