Wet weather saga continues around Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Scattered rain showers continue to find their way into the Pacific Northwest this Tuesday as our next storm system sets up just offshore.
Expect Tuesday's temperatures to remain mild as on and off rain showers move throughout western Oregon and southwest Washington. Rain showers will be scattered and light in nature for most of the day. More widespread and heavy rain likely arrives after sunset along the coast and valley locations.
This next storm system will be fueled by an atmospheric river, helping to intensify rainfall at times and bring a boost to overall rain totals over the next 24 hours. Rain accumulation will near 0.25" around the Willamette Valley by the end of the day. By Wednesday morning, rain totals in Portland could near 0.75" with some locations along the coastline nearing 1.0" or more.
Gusty winds are also expected to ramp up tonight. Wind alerts for the coastline and valley go into place at 8pm through 6am Wednesday. Wind gusts around 40 to 60 mph are possible for the coastline and up to 45 mph around the Willamette Valley. Isolated power outages may result from these strong winds.
The atmospheric river will cause temperatures to stay mild in the mid-upper 50s in Portland throughout the middle of the week. Snow levels will likely fall 5,000' with light accumulations or slush on roadways down to that elevation. Weather models show one to three feet of snow possible for some of the Cascade peaks in Oregon and Washington through Friday.
The wet weather will rain across much of the Pacific Northwest through the end of the week. Some drying is possible by Friday and Saturday.