Round After Round of Storms Set to Soak the Northwest Through Mid-November

November weather is firing up right on cue across the Pacific Northwest. The penultimate month of the year is known for its blustery conditions in this corner of the country, and the next week will prove that. Here is a look at the rocky weather in store for the Northwest.

Atmospheric Rivers Take Aim at the Pacific Northwest

It is the start of atmospheric river season in the Northwest. Right on time, the region will see a series of these long plumes of moisture coming up from the Pacific beginning this weekend and lasting through the week. Forecasters are warning residents to prepare for heavy rain, mountain snow, mudslides, and flooding.

The moisture will come in waves over the next week. Over a foot of rain could fall through next weekend across portions of western Washington and up into coastal British Columbia in Canada. The west- and south-facing slopes along the lower and middle elevations will be the most at risk of seeing flooding and mudslides. This is particularly true for areas with recent burn scars.

Rainfall rates could hit 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas. Rain of this magnitude is capable of quickly overwhelming storm drainage systems.

Runoff will increase with each passing storm. This means that the threat of flooding will be the greatest by the latter part of next week when the ground becomes overly saturated.

The mountainous terrain will see the moisture fall as snow. Snowfall rates could eclipse 6 inches per hour at elevations above the mountain passes. This is shaping up to be a major snow producer by the time that the pattern eases. For instance, portions of the Coast Mountains in British Columbia could see snow totals up to 20 feet.

The onslaught of snow will inherently raise the risk of avalanche danger by the middle of next week. While the Cascades in Washington and Oregon will also see the flakes fly, it will pale in comparison to what British Columbia picks up. This early-season snow event is good news for a part of the country that experienced a dismal ski season last year.

The moisture machine first fired up on Friday across the Northwest. After a brief break on Saturday, another wave of rain and snow is expected by early Sunday. The next storm in the train is forecast to arrive on Monday and into Tuesday.

Most Powerful Storm Forecast to Hit on Wednesday

The most powerful storm of the series is predicted to reach Vancouver Island, Canada, on Wednesday. The moisture associated with this potent weather maker will spread into British Columbia, Washington, western Oregon, and Northern California beginning on Thursday. The cold air coming along for the ride will support the development of snow as far south as the mountains of Northern California.

Portions of southwestern Washington and down through Oregon into Northern California will be under the threat of flooding by the back half of next week. The compounding nature of the repeated rounds of moisture will amplify this threat. The major flood risk will also increase across parts of Canada's Vancouver Island and into southwestern British Columbia.

This wet and windy weather pattern may come as quite a shock to residents after the docile October. The blustery conditions may trigger sporadic power outages. Travel disruptions are likely at times, especially for RVs and other high-profile vehicles. The high winds will also churn up the seas, producing large breaking waves up and down the coast.

November is typically one of the wettest months of the year in the Pacific Northwest. It was an exceptionally dry start to the fall for much of the region, with rainfall coming in between 25% and 75% of the historical average. Any rain that falls in the coming days that does not cause flooding issues will be welcome across the parched terrain. Any mountain snow will deliver a head start in rebuilding the snowpack for the year.

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