West Coast Looks Forward to Break From Active Weather Pattern

There is finally some relief on the horizon for the storm-weary West Coast. The caboose of the ongoing storm train coming in from the Pacific Ocean will push through the region to close out the weekend. However, there will be a slight drying pattern heading into the new week once this last storm passes. Here is a more detailed look at the timing of the last storm and when you can expect calmer conditions.

Caboose of Pacific Storm Train Pushing Into the Western U.S.

The last of the parade storms for the western U.S. is bearing down on the coastal area, bringing the threat of heavy rain, flash flooding, and mudslides. Mountain snow will be the issue for the higher terrains as the storm slides through.

While there is relief in store for the battered region, the Pacific Northwest and Northern California will have to contend with one more potent weather maker first. The system is already making its presence known as snow levels dip across the Cascades and the Sierra Nevada.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches are expected from southwestern Oregon and down into the northwestern corner of California through the weekend. Rainfall amounts will likely end up higher across the west-facing slopes of the Oregon Cascades, the Coast Ranges, and the Siskiyous. Because the ground has already been so saturated due to the storms of the last several days, they will be more vulnerable to flash flooding, mudslides, and road washouts. Motorists are being urged to exercise caution when out and about in this area.

A number of major cities will see a soggy Sunday. Seattle is forecast to pick up about a quarter of an inch of rain before the system moves through later in the night. Temperatures will remain on the moderate side with a high of about 47 degrees and lows that dip just a few notches from this level.

It will be even rainier heading to the south. After picking up about an inch of rain overnight Saturday, the moisture will linger in Eureka, California throughout the day Sunday. Another quarter of an inch of rain is on tap for the water-logged city in the northwestern corner of the Golden State. Highs will hover in the mid 50s before falling just below the 40-degree mark overnight.

High Winds and Snow Also Presenting Concerns

High winds will also present issues in the zone from northwestern California and up into the southwestern edge of Washington state. The overly saturated soil will pair with the gusts to raise the threat of fallen trees and power lines.

While snow levels remained above the most traveled passes in the region on Saturday, these levels will start to fall on Sunday. Some portions of the Sierra Nevada will pick up 6 to 12 inches of snow through late Sunday. Donner Pass along Interstate 80 in California is expecting about 6 inches of the white stuff, potentially slowing down travel over the busy thoroughfare.

Moving to the north and into the Washington Cascades, snow levels are expected to slip just below the passes. This will result in snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches through Sunday night and into Monday.

For instance, Snoqualmie Pass along Interstate 90 in Washington is under a winter storm watch beginning Sunday at 4 am and lasting through 10 am Monday. This area is expecting snowfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches on Sunday with another 3 to 5 inches overnight and into Monday. The snow will begin to taper off on Monday but not before delivering another 1 to 3 inches. Highs will hover in the mid to upper 30s at pass level with overnight lows dipping to about the 30-degree mark.

The system will continue to track to the east on Monday. This journey will bring light snow showers to parts of eastern Oregon, Idaho, the western edge of Montana, and northern Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. The highest terrains in this region of the intermountain West should prepare for snowfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches through Monday. This is good news for the ski resorts in the region hoping to lure visitors for the New Year's holiday.

Threat of Santa Ana Wind Event Looming

While Southern California has avoided the worst of the moisture associated with the December Pacific storm train, this part of the West will be under the gun for another Santa Ana wind event on Tuesday. High pressure will begin to build across the Great Basin after the last storm exits the West Coast. This building high pressure will support the development of Santa Ana winds to fire up on Tuesday and through Wednesday.

Forecasters do not believe that this will be a major Santa Ana wind event. However, the wind speeds will be high enough to discourage fireworks celebrations on the New Year's Eve holiday. Revelers taking advantage of the warm weather with a cookout will also want to take care when handling open flames as the winds whip up.

The worst of the winds are likely to hit late Tuesday. The forecast models indicate that the winds will begin to ease just in time for the famous Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year's Day. The suburb of Los Angeles is forecast to see a mix of sun and clouds and a high of 72 degrees for the parade and the Rose Bowl football game on Wednesday.

Calmer Conditions on the Way

The storm train will come to a screeching halt on Monday, spelling relief for western Washington and down into Northern California. The brief respite from the moisture machine will pave the way for better travel conditions on Monday and into Tuesday. This will be the best window of time to hit the road or clean up the debris left behind from the volatile weather pattern as of late.

The next storm up is forecast to usher in low-elevation rain and snow for the higher terrains on Wednesday. This storm is forecast to primarily impact Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.

The good news is that while more storms are brewing for later next week, none of these systems are expected to be as powerful as what the region has endured for most of December.

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