A cold front will be the focus for the development of thunderstorms across portions of the Midwest on Wednesday. Heavy rain is expected across the Pacific Northwest as an area of low pressure and Pacific moisture moves into the region. 

US Hazards

Region 1

Instability should build across Region 1 on Wednesday as a result of daytime heating ahead of an approaching cold front. This will allow for a few strong to severe thunderstorms to develop along the front. The greatest threat for severe thunderstorms will be across Arkansas and Missouri; large hail and damaging winds will be the main hazards. Across the other parts of Region 1, damaging winds will be the primary hazard. The threat should decrease into the evening. 

Major Cities in Region: Fayetteville, AR, Springfield, MO, St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL

Region 1

Excessive Rainfall Possible Thursday for Pacific Northwest

A large low pressure system will move into the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, bringing the risk of excessive rainfall leading to flooding across much of the coastal Pacific Northwest. Plentiful Pacific moisture will move into the region ahead of the system, allowing for widespread and persistent rainfall. Showers will develop along the coast overnight Wednesday and into Thursday and increase in coverage and intensity throughout the day and into the evening. Rainfall accumulations of 2-4 inches will be common within the threat area, with locally higher amounts in excess of 5 inches possible in the higher terrain. Due to the preceding dry season, river flooding is not much of a concern, however, stream and urban flooding will be likely. In addition to the heavy rains, wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible along the coast and higher terrain Thursday afternoon and evening.

Major Cities in Region: Eureka, CA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA

Excessive Rainfall Risk Outline for Thursday

Tropical Update

Hurricane Nicole is currently a category 2 hurricane and is moving toward the north at 7 mph. This motion is expected to continue with an increase in forward speed expected later today. A turn toward the north-northeast is forecast tonight, followed by a turn to the northeast on Thursday. On the current track, the center of Nicole will pass near or over Bermuda on Thursday. Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is expected during the next 24 hours and Nicole could become a major hurricane as it approaches Bermuda. 

Tropical Infrared Satellite

A Look Ahead

A second area of low pressure will move into the Pacific Northwest on Saturday. This will bring the potential for the risk for heavy and excessive rainfall as the low tracks into British Columbia. Heavy rain will continue into Sunday with rainfall totals of 4-8 inches and isolated higher amounts in excess of 10 inches will be possible. Some stream and urban flooding will be possible. 

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