Portland residents are bracing for a bout of heavy rain this week, with a flood watch in effect that could result in swelling rivers and possible urban flooding. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the flood watch remains in place from late Wednesday night through late Friday night. The incoming weather is attributed to an atmospheric river set to bring periods of significant precipitation, on top of already high water levels and saturated soils from earlier rainfall.
The implications of this system could be particularly severe for those in affected areas. "Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible," the NWS Portland detailed, forecasting that "the river flooding threat will increase Thursday night into Friday." Past experiences dictate the necessity to not only prepare but also to remain vigilant, as rain-soaked grounds are prone to landslides and rapid water accumulation. To further underscore the urgency, the NWS warned, areas, structures, and people located below steep slopes, in canyons, and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk from rapidly moving landslides.
The forecast outlook doesn't provide much reprieve in sight; after the primary rainfall on Thursday, which focuses the flood threat on urban and small stream regions, the NWS anticipates the possibility of rivers reaching at least Minor flood stage. With the ground already damp from previous wetness, drainage systems could be put to the test. The NWS advises locals to monitor the latest forecasts and be alert for potential Flood Warnings, urging those in flood-prone locations to be ready to act should flooding materialize.
In the short term, today's weather itself isn't exactly dry, with rain and potential thundershowers expected before 2 pm, followed by more showers and a possible thunderstorm between 2 and 4 pm, and then just a chance of rain and thunderstorms post-4 pm. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the NWS statement underscored, suggesting that the impacts can extend beyond the natural landscape and into the urban sprawl, where storm drains and ditches may become overwhelmed with runoff and debris.
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