Pacific Coastline Prepares for Onslaught of Multiple Storm Systems

The re-emergence of the Pacific storm train will translate to the return of heavy rain and mountain snow to a large swath of the Pacific Northwest and down into Northern California. Some of this rain may eventually reach the southern portions of California in the days ahead. Here is a look at this messy forecast.

Potential of Bomb Cyclone and Atmospheric River for the West Coast

Forecasters are predicting that an active storm track is going to take hold of much of the western U.S. in the week ahead. The storms will come after a short break from the weather makers that originate in the Pacific Ocean. There is also the chance that at least one bomb cyclone will form during this time period. It was just a few weeks ago that a monster bomb cyclone shut down much of the Pacific Northwest, including knocking out power to thousands in the Seattle metro area for days.

The upcoming stormy weather pattern will usher in gusty winds, low-elevation rain, and mountain snow. The primary impact zone will stretch from Washington state and down into Northern California. The pattern will feature storms once every two to three days through the next week. In addition to the possibility of a bomb cyclone, there is also the likelihood that an atmospheric river will take root.

Timing of Storms

The first storm system started to make its presence known late Wednesday along the coastline of Oregon and Northern California. The moisture associated with this storm is the first of its kind since before Thanksgiving for some parts of the region. The forecast is calling for widespread rainfall amounts of between 0.50 and 1 inch for western Oregon and Northern California.

The storm is forecast to push to the south at a fast clip, eventually hitting the San Francisco Bay Area by early Thursday morning. San Francisco is forecast to see about a half of an inch of rain on Thursday after seeing a half of an inch the night prior. Highs will hover in the mid 50s on Thursday before slipping into the upper 40s. It will also be breezy with winds out of the west at 10 to 20 mph.