By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Trick-or-treating in Washington state could be disrupted by an incoming atmospheric river on Friday.
The storm is expected to hit the coast on Halloween. The greatest threat with the incoming storm will be heavy rainfall, NWS meteorologist Dev McMillian told Newsweek. Locally gusty winds also could pose a hazard.
Why It Matters
Atmospheric rivers are a "long, narrow region in the atmosphere—like rivers in the sky—that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
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The storms brought by atmospheric rivers are known for their heavy snow, heavy rain and strong winds. They more commonly affect the West Coast, particularly during the winter months. Although the storms can bring beneficial snow that helps supplement reservoirs throughout the summer dry season, they can also trigger deadly flooding, mudslides and widespread power outages.
What to Know
The region has already withstood one atmospheric river earlier this month. The greatest threat with the incoming storm will be heavy rain, with more than 5 inches of rain expected in some parts of the state.
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The rain forecast has prompted NWS Seattle to issue a hydrologic outlook for the area.
"A weak to moderately strong atmospheric river will impact western Washington Friday through Saturday night producing moderate to heavy rain at times," the hydrologic outlook said. "Mean forecasts of rainfall is for 2-4 inches with locally 5+ inches with the main focus on the Olympic Peninsula and north Washington Cascades. With snow levels rising to around 8000-9000 feet, there is potential for various types of flooding."
The outlook went on to say that the Skokomish River could flood, as well as the Bogachiel River.
"Where heavy rain occurs, the relatively high rain rates could produce flash flooding/debris flows on the more sensitive burn scars," the outlook said. "It could also cause ponding or nuisance flooding in urban areas and small streams where drainage is poor or drains are clogged by leaves."
The greatest flood threat will be present on Friday night through Sunday for Mason, Jefferson, and Clallam counties.
Animated weather footage from windy.com shows that the storm is approaching from the west on Thursday afternoon, with strong wind gusts nearing the coast ahead of the storm.
Meanwhile, temperatures in the West are well above-average, according to an NWS forecast.
"In contrast to the east, the western U.S. will remain well above average heading into the weekend with upper-ridging being maintained overhead," NWS said in a forecast. "High temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s for the Pacific Northwest/northern California and the Interior West, the 70s and 80s for central California, and into the 80s and 90s for the Desert Southwest and southern California."
What People Are Saying
NWS in a Thursday forecast: "Pacific storm system/atmospheric river to bring heavy rain to the Pacific Northwest Friday"
The forecast added: "Heavy rainfall is expected with several inches possible along favorable upslope terrain of the Olympics, Cascades, and coastal ranges as snow levels will remain high. Some isolated flooding will be possible especially along rising rivers."
What Happens Next
The atmospheric river will bring impacts to coastal Washington beginning on Friday night. Rain will continue into Saturday night. People living in the area should monitor local weather outlets and be aware, in case flooding occurs.
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