“Pineapple Express Storm to Bring Heavy Rain and Snow to West Coast”
A weather system known as the ‘Pineapple Express,’ originating near Hawaii, is set to bring a significant amount of moisture to the Northwest and California this week, with heavy rain and snowfall expected, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. The Pineapple Express, already visible on weather maps, will bring various hazards to the region, including major flooding, avalanches, strong winds, and travel disruptions. This substantial precipitation marks a stark contrast to the relatively dry January that preceded it.
In areas not directly impacted by the atmospheric river, such as the Pacific Northwest, there is a forecast for accumulating snow, potentially causing slippery conditions. Northern California is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with significant snowfall and heavy rain predicted. Some locations, like Redding and San Francisco, could receive a month’s worth of rain from this event alone, leading to potential landslides and travel issues.
AccuWeather meteorologists anticipate several inches of rain in northern California and southwestern Oregon, encompassing cities like San Francisco, Chico, Santa Rosa, and Eugene. The heaviest rainfall is projected to be centered over Northwestern California and parts of the northern Sierra Nevada mountain range, with some areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches of rain. In the Sierra range, snowfall could reach 3-6 feet above 7,000 feet, severely impacting travel in the region.
While the worst of the storm is expected to diminish by Tuesday night, another system carrying moisture is forecasted to arrive later in the week, bringing additional precipitation. The focus will shift towards Southern California, potentially aiding in fire prevention but also raising concerns about mudslides and debris flows.
The Pineapple Express is currently approaching the northwestern regions of Oregon, western Washington, and far southwestern British Columbia, Canada. Although the system is looking to steer clear of direct impact on these areas, the convergence of cold air from the Arctic region and moisture from the Pacific could result in the accumulation of snow outside of the usual mountain zones. Winter weather experts at AccuWeather are cautioning about this potential scenario.
According to Danco, a meteorologist at AccuWeather, both Portland and Seattle have yet to witness any substantial snowfall this winter season. However, this pattern is projected to shift as we transition into the upcoming week. Anticipate up to an inch of snowfall in the Emerald City and Portland. In contrast, residents of the Vancouver metropolitan area in Canada, totaling over two million people, are advised to prepare their snow removal equipment due to a significant 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) of snowfall expected by Monday night. Higher snow accumulation levels are forecasted in the nearby mountainous regions, which could hinder travel through the mountain passes.
Heading into the weekend, the lowland areas have not experienced measurable snowfall for over a year. Danco pointed out that the last instance of accumulating snow in Portland dates back to January 13, 2024, with a recorded 1.6 inches of snow. On the other hand, Seattle saw its last snow accumulation on March 3, 2024, totaling 0.3 inches. The historical average snowfall in Seattle during winter is 6.3 inches, while in Portland it is 4.3 inches.
Despite Vancouver generally being a snowier location during the winter compared to its counterparts in the Pacific Northwest, it has been more than 70 days since snowfall accumulation occurred. The last significant snowfall event in Vancouver, amounting to 1.6 inches (4 cm), took place on November 19.
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