Pacific Northwest Braces for Widespread Flooding as Atmospheric Rivers Loom Large
A powerful storm system known as the Pineapple Express is set to bring heavy rain and severe weather to the Pacific Northwest next week, leaving several states under threat of widespread flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a flurry of warnings, citing a high risk of river flooding, urban flooding, and landslides in areas including western Washington and parts of Oregon.
According to forecasters, the storm system will deliver 3-5 inches of rain across the Puget Sound region, with some coastal and mountainous areas expected to receive even more - up to 6-10 inches. The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Monday night into Tuesday, followed by another heavy downpour on Wednesday.
"We're looking at a high-end category four or five atmospheric river," warned meteorologist George Waldenberger of local news station KOMO. "This means we could see three to five inches of rain in Seattle, possibly double that, and that will give us the risk for river flooding, urban flooding, and maybe even some landslides."
Atmospheric rivers are long chains of moisture that form over warm ocean waters, typically near Hawaii. When they collide with land, they can bring catastrophic amounts of rainfall. In this case, the Pineapple Express is expected to dump a massive amount of water on the West Coast, posing a significant threat to communities.
While not all atmospheric rivers are severe, the big ones can transport as much as 15 times the water content of the Mississippi River. The National Weather Service has already issued warnings for several states, including Washington and Oregon, advising residents to monitor updates closely and make preparedness plans.
As the storm system moves in, local authorities may issue flood warnings or evacuations if river systems overflow. Residents are advised to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel during high-risk periods, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
With the National Weather Service's latest forecast, it's clear that the Pacific Northwest is bracing for a major flooding event. As residents prepare for the worst, one thing is certain: the storm will bring heavy rain, and with it, widespread destruction and chaos.
A powerful storm system known as the Pineapple Express is set to bring heavy rain and severe weather to the Pacific Northwest next week, leaving several states under threat of widespread flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a flurry of warnings, citing a high risk of river flooding, urban flooding, and landslides in areas including western Washington and parts of Oregon.
According to forecasters, the storm system will deliver 3-5 inches of rain across the Puget Sound region, with some coastal and mountainous areas expected to receive even more - up to 6-10 inches. The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Monday night into Tuesday, followed by another heavy downpour on Wednesday.
"We're looking at a high-end category four or five atmospheric river," warned meteorologist George Waldenberger of local news station KOMO. "This means we could see three to five inches of rain in Seattle, possibly double that, and that will give us the risk for river flooding, urban flooding, and maybe even some landslides."
Atmospheric rivers are long chains of moisture that form over warm ocean waters, typically near Hawaii. When they collide with land, they can bring catastrophic amounts of rainfall. In this case, the Pineapple Express is expected to dump a massive amount of water on the West Coast, posing a significant threat to communities.
While not all atmospheric rivers are severe, the big ones can transport as much as 15 times the water content of the Mississippi River. The National Weather Service has already issued warnings for several states, including Washington and Oregon, advising residents to monitor updates closely and make preparedness plans.
As the storm system moves in, local authorities may issue flood warnings or evacuations if river systems overflow. Residents are advised to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel during high-risk periods, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
With the National Weather Service's latest forecast, it's clear that the Pacific Northwest is bracing for a major flooding event. As residents prepare for the worst, one thing is certain: the storm will bring heavy rain, and with it, widespread destruction and chaos.