Up to an inch of rain is in the forecast for areas east of the Cascades in the next 60 hours. This is due to an atmospheric river setup as you can see above. A moisture plume is aimed right for us.
Additionally, a deepening low pressure system will impact our area Friday night into Saturday. This system is expected to give us a healthy dose of rain and some good winds. Local small stream flooding is possible.
From the NWS Medford:
Two late season storms are expected over the next few days. The first will arrive this afternoon, producing breezy winds and light to moderate rain. The second, much stronger system will arrive Friday night into Saturday, and is expected to produce heavy rain and gusty winds. Snow levels will lower to around 5000 feet by Saturday evening, and snow is likely over the higher Cascade passes. Be prepared for wet and windy weather, especially if traveling. This won’t be the end of a wet pattern for our region either, with more storms possible next week.
Two storm systems will arrive back to back and bring periods of heavy rain to southern Oregon and northern California over the next several days. Snow levels will quickly rise to about 8000 feet early on Thursday and will linger there through Saturday before falling to around 5000 feet. This heavy rain will create the possibility for land slides and debris flows, rapid river rises and urban and small stream flooding.
It is worth noting that this system is rather unusual for this time of year and will provide many places east of the Cascades, particularly for Modoc County, most of their usual April monthly rainfall in 3 days. If you come across a flooded roadway, find an alternate route. Remember to turn around, don’t drown. Stay tuned to local media or your NOAA weather radio for possible flood warnings.
Be sure to check road conditions before venturing out. You can call 511 for Oregon road conditions and for California road conditions call 800-427-ROAD (7623) or visit their websites listed below.
Oregon road conditions: http://www.tripcheck.com
California road conditions: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
NWS hazard viewer: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr
Gusty winds are expected to occur across portions of southern Oregon and northern California tonight into Monday Night. These winds will become strong along the coast, north-south oriented valleys west of the Cascades, the Shasta Valley, and the East Side. Travel on Interstate 5 as well as highways, 31, 39, 97, 101, 140, and 395 could become difficult—particularly for high profile vehicles. Remember to slow down and use extra caution when driving. Additionally, there may be isolated cases of downed trees or power lines. Loose objects may be blown away or damaged due to the winds. More information can be found on our detailed weather and hazards viewer.
Article by Klamath Alerts via press release information from NWS Medford
