Portland is waking up cloudy, damp, and already in the splash zone Friday morning, March 13, 2026, with temperatures hovering near 52°F as an atmospheric river funnels steady rain into the metro. A Flood Watch is posted through Saturday afternoon, and bursts of heavier rain plus gusty winds are set to make today’s commute slower, slicker, and a lot wetter than usual.
Rain Totals, Timing, And Watch
Forecasters say the I-5 corridor could pick up roughly 1 to 2 inches of rain today, the Coast Range 1 to 3 inches, and the Cascades 2 to 4 inches, with some higher totals possible in steeper terrain. The Flood Watch runs from Friday morning, March 13, through Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Several smaller rivers and creeks, including Johnson Creek near Sycamore and the Wilson River near Tillamook, are forecast to reach action or minor flood stages. South-southwest winds will gust into the 20 to 30 mph range at times, and a Small Craft Advisory covers nearby waters through 5 p.m. Friday, according to NWS Portland.
Travel And Timing
The heaviest rain is most likely this morning and again this afternoon, before easing into scattered showers on Saturday. Drivers should be ready for standing water, reduced visibility, and the occasional downed branch. Give yourself extra time on wet roads, and check with carriers for any potential flight or ferry delays.
How To Stay Safe
If you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas, move vehicles to higher ground and avoid driving through standing water. As the saying goes, turn around, don’t drown. The City of Portland offers local flood resources and preparedness tips for residents and businesses; see guidance from the City of Portland.
Update From Hoodline
This updates our March 11 bulletin on the long-running atmospheric river, and we will publish new warnings and river forecasts if conditions change. For background, see our earlier report from March 11 on Portland’s days of dumping rain and rowdy south winds.
