Pacific Northwest Atmospheric River

Multiple low pressure systems have hit the North American West Coast over the past week. The latest system is set to bring an impactful atmospheric river event to parts of the Pacific Northwest.

Atmospheric rivers are classified by extensive rain, which soaked the Pacific Northwest alongside unseasonably warm temperatures and river flooding.

The U.S Coast Guard had to rescue five people from flooded areas around Portland, Oregon on Dec. 3. Another rescue had to be performed in southwest Washington, after four feet of water submerged his house.

Parts of Washington, including Seattle, Forks and Hoquaim received their highest rainfall on record for the season, with 1.5 inches of rain falling in Seattle.

A small landslide caused closures to a trail outside Seattle, and rivers also experienced extensive flooding in Washington and Oregon.

Visit the National Weather Service for more forecast details.

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Contributions by: Dakota Smith, Kim Erickson and Josh Reiter

Satellite imagery of this event:

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