While flooding may not reach the historic levels seen last week, a KIRO 7 meteorologist said the overall impacts could actually be worse.

The National Water Center said that "considerable" flooding impacts are expected across the Cascade Foothills to Puget Sound, with urban and minor river flooding also possible throughout the remainder of western Washington and parts of northern Oregon. It also warned that landslides would be possible along the Cascade Foothills.

A potent Atmospheric River is slamming into the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies, delivering impressive moisture totals, but bringing a “Pineapple Express” flavor with rising snow levels.

Inside the cockpit of a NOAA Gulfstream IV during an atmospheric river mission in February 2025. Image credit: Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego.

Starting tonight, an atmospheric river takes aim at northwest Oregon. Heavy rain and strong winds are back in the forecast.

The Stockton region is bracing for a series of rain and wind events over the next several days as back-to-back atmospheric rivers move through the area.

A global effort to better understand moisture-laden rivers in the sky, like those currently battering the West Coast, will take flight in January.