Some areas of the Northwest are already starting to feel the storm’s effects, with strong wind gusts already observed in the Seattle area.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center said the storm was expected to bring heavy snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) per hour in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and winds of up to 65 mph (29 mps).
According to NOAA, the weather can cause whiteout conditions that make travel difficult. Some areas could see 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) of snow.
Gusty winds could cause power outages, downed trees and high waves along the coastline, the National Weather Service said, issuing a “high risk excessive rainfall outlook” for northwestern California.
The heaviest rain, which could bring mudslides, is expected to hit northern California and southwestern Oregon, according to NOAA.
The National Weather Service also issued winter weather warnings and winter storm warnings for several other areas along the Pacific Coast through Wednesday.
“Numerous flash flooding, hazardous travel, power outages and tree damage can be expected once the storm reaches its maximum intensity,” the National Weather Prediction Center wrote in a post on X.
