Fall and early winter have seen active weather patterns in the West, with multiple rounds of rain and mountain snow. While this has helped alleviate drought conditions and boost snowpack levels, the ground is becoming saturated. AccuWeather meteorologists caution that continued precipitation may lead to an increased risk of flooding and mudslides.
With Christmas approaching, more people will be traveling by plane, train, and car. The ongoing rain and snow could result in slower driving speeds and potential delays at airports. Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate as early as Monday in cities like Seattle and Portland.
“Travelers heading out before Christmas will encounter wet roads along the entire West Coast, from the Canadian border down to California,” noted AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr. A new storm is forecasted to bring rain and snow as far south as Los Angeles by Monday night and into Tuesday.
While snow levels may fluctuate during storms in the West, the changing conditions can create additional hazards beyond slippery roads, such as an increased risk of avalanches in the high country.
For those traveling on Christmas Day, most of the region will experience a temporary break from the precipitation, except for some snow showers in the Intermountain West. However, another storm is expected to hit the Pacific Northwest by late Christmas Day or overnight.
This upcoming storm could bring strong winds, potentially leading to localized power outages, especially along the coast. With continued storms through the week and possibly into the weekend, rainfall totals are expected to accumulate, posing a risk of stream and creek flooding after each storm passes.
While snow levels may rise and fall, the highest peaks in the Washington Cascades and Sierra Nevada could see significant snow accumulation. Looking ahead, there may be a brief break in the stormy weather around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
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