Pacific Northwest faces triple threat of heavy rain, winds and mountain snow

THE TAKEAWAY

• An atmospheric river will move into the Pacific Northwest, slamming the region with days of rain and mountain snow through next week.
• Precipitation totals of around 1 to 2 inches are expected in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellingham, Washington, through Sunday.
• Snowfall will be limited to higher elevations across the Cascades.

The first of a series of storms is expected to slam parts of the Pacific Northwest late Thursday into Friday as an atmospheric river moves into the region following a rare dry October for much of the region.

This first storm system will sweep across Washington and Oregonbringing heavy raingusty winds and snow in the Cascade region.

Snowfall will be limited to higher elevations across the Cascades, where up to 6 inches is possible.

WHEN IS THE EARLIEST SNOWFALL ON RECORD FOR PARTS OF THE NORTHEAST?

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This setup comes as a strong low-pressure system is expected to develop Thursday in the Gulf of Alaskasending an atmospheric river straight for the Pacific Northwest.

According to the FOX Forecast Centerthis pattern will rotate a series of storms through Western Canadafueling persistent rain and snow in the Northwest through much of next week.

The wave of wet weather will begin late Thursday and continue through Sunday, with the heaviest rain falling across the Olympic Mountains, with up to 5 inches possible.

WHAT IS AN ATMOSPHERIC RIVER?

Seattle, tacomaand Bellingham are expected to get about 1 to 2 inches, with some higher amounts possible.

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Despite incoming storms, Seattle experienced its seventh-driest October on record with just 1.2 inches for the month.

The wet weather will be a welcome change for the dry landscape.

POLAR VORTEX DISRUPTION COULD BE EARLIEST ON RECORD, BUT EL NIÑO IMPACT MAY KEEP US WARM

This active pattern of rain and snow will continue into next week, with additional storm systems keeping conditions wet for Northwest residents.

Stay with FOX Weather as we bring you the latest about this developing storm.