High wind advisory with gusts up to 45 mph in effect starting 4 p.m. Nov. 19

from the National Weather Service Forecast Office, Portland

A powerful storm system will continue to bring heavy mountain snow, rain, and high winds to the Pacific Northwest and northern California through midweek.

A wind advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 to 4 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 with south winds 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 45 mph expected in the Eugene – Springfield area and throughout the Willamette, Lower Columbia, and Cowlitz watersheds.

Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Higher winds are predicted along the coast, with small craft advisories, storm warnings, and hazardous seas warnings. Hurricane-force winds are predicted along the south coast from Florence to Point St. George, California.

The Weather Prediction Center has the region from the Pacific Northwest to northern California under a ‘marginal excessive rainfall outlook’ on Tuesday as a band of heavy rain moves in along a cold front entering the region. On Wednesday, the flooding threat greatly increases; moderate risk for excessive rainfall is in effect as flooding is likely.

Six to eight inches of rainfall could fall alone on Wednesday as a strong flux of moisture from the Pacific trains over the region due to a nearly stationary area of strong low pressure out in the Pacific.

Mountain ranges in the Northern Rockies, northern California, and the Cascades in Oregon and Washington could see feet of heavy, wet snow. This snow may be impactful for hazards. The winter storm severity index has some ranges in the major to extreme impacts, with power outages and downed trees some of the specific hazards.

Another notable threat with the system is the strong winds associated with a deepening area of low pressure. Many coastal regions are under a storm warning for wind gusts over 70 mph and possible coastal flooding hazards.

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects such as garbage cans and other objects that can easily blow around.