Western Washington is bracing for yet another powerful atmospheric river as a new system lines up to strike the West Coast late Sunday and persist into the middle of next week. According to the National Weather Service Hydrologic Outlook issued early Saturday morning, the threat of flooding will be elevated across much of western Washington as already saturated soils and swollen rivers face another round of heavy rain.

Check on the weather here:

Portland, OR

https://share.google/DkECoi7pV6Gk1hBba

This incoming atmospheric river is expected to be strong and prolonged, with snow levels rising dramatically to near 8,500 feet on Monday before dropping to around 3,500–4,500 feet by Tuesday. This rapid fluctuation is especially concerning because much of the precipitation early in the event will fall as rain, even in areas that typically benefit from snowpack storage. With little capacity left in the landscape to absorb water, runoff into rivers and streams will be fast and intense.

Hydrologists warn that rivers across the region are already elevated from recent storms, and some may not even fall below flood stage before the next surge of rain begins. As a result, residents should expect rising river levels, the potential for renewed river flooding, and increased risks of urban flooding where stormwater systems are overwhelmed. Low-lying neighborhoods, flood-prone roadways, and areas near creeks and rivers will be particularly vulnerable.

Beyond flooding, the outlook highlights a heightened risk of landslides and debris flows throughout the event. Saturated hillsides combined with sustained rainfall significantly increase the chance of slope failures, especially in steep terrain, burn scars, and areas with recent land disturbance. These hazards can occur suddenly and with little warning, posing serious risks to homes, roads, and critical infrastructure.

Emergency managers and residents are urged to closely monitor updated river forecasts, flood warnings, and landslide advisories from the National Weather Service as conditions evolve. With storm systems arriving in quick succession, this event underscores a growing pattern across the Pacific Northwest: back-to-back atmospheric rivers that leave little recovery time between impacts, amplifying the risks to communities already pushed to the edge by weeks of heavy rainfall.