Portland residents will need to keep their rain boots and umbrellas close at hand as the city braces for a streak of heavy rainfall this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland has issued a detailed forecast that includes rain and potential thunderstorms nearly daily, with temperatures hovering between the low 40s and mid-50s. As of their last update at 6:20 AM PST on November 17, the NWS indicates that today’s temperature will rise to 51 degrees by 10 AM before falling to around 46. Residents can expect a 100% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounting to a quarter and a half of an inch.
While the rainfall may appear usual for anyone familiar with Portland’s wet season, the significant downpour predicted for Tuesday night through Friday morning might just push to flood the city’s creeks and rivers. “Current projections of the most likely amounts for storm total precipitation range from 5 to 8 inches for the Coast, Coast Range, and Cascades, with 2.5 to 4 inches for inland valley locations, including Portland, Salem, and Eugene,” according to a hydrologic outlook issued by the National Weather Service. There’s concern that the cumulative effect could bring about more than mere puddles, especially with projections for heavier rainfall reaching up to 11 inches in some areas.
With the ground already saturated and water levels high, the additional rainfall this week—especially from Wednesday onwards—is set to increase flood risks markedly. “Rivers will rise starting Wednesday,” warns the National Weather Service, forecasting, “Small streams and fast-responding rivers could see flooding as early as Wednesday night or Thursday, with slow-responding rivers potentially flooding by this weekend.” The National Weather Service advises residents to stay updated via their website and to look out for any advisories or warnings as the week progresses…