Residents across Oregon and southwest Washington should prepare for a significant stretch of wet weather as forecasters warn of heavy rain from Wednesday, March 11 through Friday, March 13, 2026. According to the National Weather Service office in Portland, repeated periods of moderate to heavy rain could bring several inches of rainfall across the region and increase the risk of flooding, landslides, and hazardous travel conditions.

Check the latest forecast at the Portland Weather Bureau:

https://www.weather.gov/pqr/

Several Inches of Rain Expected

Forecast models show 3–6 inches of rain across much of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, with some areas in the Coast Range and Cascade foothills potentially receiving 6–10 inches over the three-day period.

Communities along the Long Beach Peninsula, Astoria, Cannon Beach, Tillamook, and coastal Washington are expected to see roughly 4–6 inches of rain, while inland areas including Portland, Hillsboro, and Vancouver could receive around 3–4 inches. Higher elevations in the Cascades may experience even heavier totals.

Flooding and Landslide Concerns

The National Weather Service warns that persistent rainfall could lead to several hazards:

• Minor river flooding, particularly for rivers draining the Willapa Hills, Coast Range, and Cascades north of Lane County.
• Flooding in low-lying areas, including roads, small streams, and urban drainage systems.
• Landslides in steep terrain where saturated soil can become unstable.

Even after the heaviest rain tapers off Friday, river levels may continue rising into the weekend as runoff moves downstream.

Coastal Communities Should Stay Alert

For coastal areas such as Pacific County and the Long Beach Peninsula, heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm ditches, canals, and drainage systems—especially in communities built near wetlands or low-elevation coastal plains. Residents should monitor local conditions and watch for pooling water on roads and property.

Safety and Preparedness Tips

The National Weather Service recommends several precautions during heavy rainfall events:

• Never drive through flooded roads. Even shallow water can sweep vehicles away.
• Avoid low-lying areas near rivers, creeks, and steep slopes.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, review your emergency plan and evacuation routes.
• Monitor river levels and forecasts through official weather and water monitoring services.

Staying Informed

Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies as the storm system develops. Conditions can change quickly when multiple waves of rain impact the region.

With several inches of rain expected across the Pacific Northwest, the next few days will serve as a reminder of how quickly coastal storms and atmospheric moisture can affect rivers, roads, and communities across the region. 🌧️