Parts of the Northwest are already beginning to feel the effects of the storm, with strong wind gusts already seen in the Seattle area.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center said the storm is expected to bring heavy sleet to mountain ranges in the Pacific Northwest with accumulation rates of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) per hour and winds of up to 65 mph (29 miles per second).
According to NOAA, the weather could lead to a whiteout, making travel difficult. 10-20 inches (25-50 cm) of snow is possible in places.
Gusty winds could cause power outages, downed trees and heavy surf along the coastline, the US weather agency said, issuing a “high-risk excessive rainfall forecast” for northwestern California.
The heaviest landslide-inducing rainfall is expected to fall in northern California and southwestern Oregon, according to NOAA.
The National Weather Service has also issued a winter weather advisory and winter storm warning through Wednesday for several other areas along the Pacific coast.
“Numerous flash flooding, hazardous travel, power outages and tree damage can be expected as the storm reaches maximum intensity,” the National Weather Prediction Center wrote in a statement on X.
