Overview
- A strong Gulf of Alaska low linked to a moderate to strong atmospheric river is forecast to arrive Friday and keep stormy conditions in place through the weekend.
- Rainfall projections call for roughly 1.5 inches in the Portland metro through Monday, 3–4 or more inches along the coast, and higher totals in the Coast Range and Cascades.
- Forecasts indicate coastal gusts near 40–55 mph and Portland-area gusts around 30–45 mph, raising the risk of broken limbs and scattered power outages with many trees still in leaf.
- Snow levels are expected to drop Saturday night to roughly 3,500–4,500 feet, with some guidance near 3,000 feet, bringing snow to Cascade passes and potential travel impacts.
- The National Weather Service anticipates a weaker front early Wednesday ahead of the stronger system, and warns that sneaker-wave dangers remain elevated along the coast midweek.