Pacific Northwest Enjoys Short Respite Before Storms Hit Again on Thursday

Rain will ease Wednesday across the Pacific Northwest after floods and winds left at least 600,000 without power, forced hundreds of people in Washington to flee their homes, and resulted in at least one fatality.

The respite is expected to be short-lived, as another powerful storm is forecast to arrive on Thursday, primarily impacting Oregon.

While the heaviest rain has subsided, lingering showers will continue throughout the region, maintaining a high threat level, according to Allison Santorelli, a forecaster with the U.S. Weather Prediction Center. “In Washington, any amount of rain is impactful right now,” she noted.

The upcoming storm, known as an atmospheric river—characterized by long plumes of Pacific moisture—will track slightly south of the areas hardest hit in Washington, where over 1,200 individuals have been rescued from floodwaters. Instead, the storm will focus on Oregon and Northern California.

“Things are going to pick up again tomorrow,” Santorelli warned. Although the highest peaks may receive snow, rain is expected across many mountainous areas, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

The Pacific Northwest has faced relentless storms for the past two weeks, prompting Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to announce $3.5 million in short-term relief. Additionally, King County officials have allocated another $1.5 million to assist residents affected by flooding. As of early Wednesday, approximately 602,000 customers in Oregon and Washington were without power, according to PowerOutage.us.

In Washington, at least 49 miles of Highway 2 through Stevens Pass have been closed and may remain shut for months due to the severe weather conditions.

Santorelli indicated that there is no long-term relief in sight for the West Coast. Following Thursday’s storm, another series of atmospheric rivers is anticipated next week, primarily targeting Northern California.

Top photo: A flooded neighborhood in Pacific, Washington. Photographer: Brandon Bell/Getty Images. Bloomberg.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics
Windstorm

Rain will ease Wednesday across the Pacific Northwest after floods and winds left at least 600,000 without power, forced hundreds of people in Washington to flee their homes, and resulted in at least one fatality.

The respite is expected to be short-lived, as another powerful storm is forecast to arrive on Thursday, primarily impacting Oregon.

While the heaviest rain has subsided, lingering showers will continue throughout the region, maintaining a high threat level, according to Allison Santorelli, a forecaster with the U.S. Weather Prediction Center. “In Washington, any amount of rain is impactful right now,” she noted.

The upcoming storm, known as an atmospheric river—characterized by long plumes of Pacific moisture—will track slightly south of the areas hardest hit in Washington, where over 1,200 individuals have been rescued from floodwaters. Instead, the storm will focus on Oregon and Northern California.

“Things are going to pick up again tomorrow,” Santorelli warned. Although the highest peaks may receive snow, rain is expected across many mountainous areas, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

The Pacific Northwest has faced relentless storms for the past two weeks, prompting Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to announce $3.5 million in short-term relief. Additionally, King County officials have allocated another $1.5 million to assist residents affected by flooding. As of early Wednesday, approximately 602,000 customers in Oregon and Washington were without power, according to PowerOutage.us.

In Washington, at least 49 miles of Highway 2 through Stevens Pass have been closed and may remain shut for months due to the severe weather conditions.

Santorelli indicated that there is no long-term relief in sight for the West Coast. Following Thursday’s storm, another series of atmospheric rivers is anticipated next week, primarily targeting Northern California.

Top photo: A flooded neighborhood in Pacific, Washington. Photographer: Brandon Bell/Getty Images. Bloomberg.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics
Windstorm