The salient point of our discussion today centers on the impending severe weather conditions forecasted to affect multiple regions, particularly as a formidable Pacific storm approaches from the Northwest. This meteorological event is anticipated to bring damaging winds, mountain snow, and localized blizzard conditions across the Northern Rockies and Plains. Furthermore, we delve into the ongoing flood response in Western Washington, where the region grapples with the aftermath of excessive rainfall, compounded by river warnings and landslide risks as additional weather fronts approach. We also highlight the potential for hazardous travel conditions due to high winds and snow in various states, including North Dakota and Montana, as well as the growing concerns over winter storm watches and blizzard conditions in the northern plains. As we progress through our analysis, we will remain vigilant in tracking river stages, wind advisories, and the timing of forthcoming storms, ensuring that our audience is well-informed and prepared for the evolving weather scenarios.

A thorough examination of the current meteorological landscape reveals the intricate dynamics of a formidable Pacific storm traversing the United States, particularly as it approaches the Northern Rockies and Plains. This storm is characterized by its capacity to generate damaging winds ranging from 50 to 70 mph, coupled with significant snowfall and the potential for localized blizzard conditions. The podcast meticulously unpacks the repercussions of this weather event, particularly for Western Washington, which is currently in a state of flood response following an extensive period of heavy precipitation. The discussion focuses on the heightened risks of river flooding and landslides, a situation exacerbated by the saturated soils resulting from recent rainfall. As the storm progresses, listeners are informed of the potential for additional fronts to exacerbate these conditions, emphasizing the ongoing vulnerability of the region.

The narrative further extends to the specific weather advisories across various states, detailing the high wind advisories and renewed flood threats that are expected to emerge in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. The podcast dissects the implications of these advisories, particularly for transportation and infrastructure, as well as the efforts of local and national weather services to keep the public informed. The dangers posed by high winds and blizzard conditions in the High Plains are highlighted, illustrating the widespread impact of the storm across state lines. The podcast adeptly conveys the seriousness of the situation, advocating for public awareness and action in response to the impending weather challenges.

As the episode draws to a close, the discussion encapsulates the necessity for vigilance and preparedness in the face of such formidable weather phenomena. It calls upon listeners to remain abreast of the evolving circumstances, emphasizing the importance of heeding warnings and taking precautionary measures to ensure safety. Ultimately, the podcast serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of severe weather and underscores the imperative of community resilience in the face of natural adversities.

Takeaways:

• The Pacific storm is expected to bring significant damaging winds and snow across various regions today.
• Western Washington continues to face serious flooding issues following an extended period of heavy rainfall.
• High wind warnings and advisories are in effect across numerous states, indicating hazardous conditions.
• Travel disruptions are anticipated due to heavy winds and potential blizzard conditions in the northern regions.
• Forecasters predict a powerful atmospheric river to impact the area with heavy rain and rising rivers soon.
• Weather advisories highlight the risk of downed trees and utility outages due to saturated soils.

Sources

[WPC | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov]

[NWS Seattle | https://www.weather.gov/sew/]

[USGS Latest Earthquakes (map) | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/?extent=16.8,-137.2&extent=55.0,-52.8&listOnlyShown=true]

[NOAA SWPC | https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion]

[NWS Seattle — AFD/hazards | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=SEW&product=AFD&site=sew]

[NWS Seattle homepage | https://www.weather.gov/sew/]

[AP recap of state impacts | https://apnews.com/article/5a5d085e96e98d24c96a889b4d7d8e6c]

[WSDOT | https://wsdot.wa.gov/]

[NWS Portland hazards | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/]

[NWS Pendleton alert (media relay) | https://ktvz.com/weather/alerts-weather/2025/12/17/high-wind-warning-issued-december-17-at-134am-pst-until-december-17-at-400pm-pst-by-nws-pendleton-or/]

[ODOT TripCheck closures | https://www.tripcheck.com/DynamicReports/Report/RoadConditions]

[NWS Bay Area AFD — key messages | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=MTR&product=AFD&site=mtr]

[WPC Excessive Rainfall Outlook overview | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov]

[NWS Boise AFD/advisories | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=BOI&product=AFD&site=BOI]

[NWS Pocatello High Wind Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=IDZ073&product1=High+Wind+Warning]

[Boise hazards | https://www.weather.gov/boi/]

[NWS Great Falls/TFX warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=byz&wwa=all]

[East Glacier hazard page | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=48.4438&lon=-113.2255]

[NWS Cheyenne warnings text | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=cys&wwa=all]

[NWS Denver/Boulder — point forecast showing High Wind

Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.56&lon=-105.07]

[WPC national hazards note | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov]

[NWS Bismarck state forecast product | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=ND&product=SFP&site=AKQ]

[NWS Grand Forks DSS/Blizzard potential PDF | https://www.weather.gov/media/fgf/DssPacket.pdf]

[NWS Rapid City AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=UNR&product=AFD&site=UNR]

[NWS Rapid City High Wind Warning text | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=SDZ076&product1=High+Wind+Warning]

[NWS North Platte HWO | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=LBF&product=HWO&site=NWS]

[WFO North Platte hazards map | https://www.weather.gov/lbf/]

[NWS Salt Lake City homepage advisory | https://www.weather.gov/slc/]

[SLC point forecast showing Wind Advisory | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.7585&lon=-111.8881]

[NWS Duluth hazards | https://www.weather.gov/dlh/]

[NWS Grand Forks web brief | https://www.weather.gov/fgf/]

Good morning.

A powerful Pacific storm tracks from the Northwest into the Northern Rockies and Plains today bringing damaging winds of 50-70 mph, mountain snow and localized blizzard conditions.

Western Washington remains in flood response after a week of heavy rain.

River warnings and landslide concerns continue as another round of fronts arrives farther south.

Northwest Oregon and southwest Washington face wind advisories and coastal gales today with a renewed flood threat late week as a wetter system lines up.

The Weather Prediction center flags another moisture surge into Oregon and far northern California late Thursday into the weekend.

In the High Plains, NWS offices warn of high winds today and potential blizzard conditions tonight into Thursday across parts of North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.

Space Weather forecasters also note unsettled geomagnetic conditions today that can affect HF comms at high latitudes.

Let's run through the states.

Washington Western Washington remains in response for record flooding and landslides after days of heavy rain.

NWS keeps multiple river flood warnings and flood watches in effect while a new frontal system brings additional rain and mountain snow.

Gusty winds continue today with coastal gales.

Saturated soils heighten the risk of downed trees and outages.

WSDOT reports numerous repairs and some closures persisting including long term damage on US 2 near Skykomish.

Leavenworth, Oregon High winds impact portions of central eastern Oregon today.

NWS Pendleton, Portland highlight gusts to 50 mph and a wind advisory for the Willamette Valley and spew Washington Lowlands.

A potent atmospheric river returns Thursday Saturday with periods of heavy rain and rising rivers.

Coastal and pass travel could be affected.

ODOT trip check shows active landslide utility closures overnight eg or 229 near Sylhets US 26 timberline area with debris downed lines.

California NWS Bay Area notes light rain today, tomorrow broader rain Friday, Saturday, then a wetter, windier system Sunday that could affect holiday travel.

Confidence increases for a multi day storm into next week.

North Coast NU California may see heavier amounts tied to the late week moisture plume highlighted by wpc.

No widespread flooding is expected yet, but wet roads, ponding and flight delays are possible.

Idaho NWS Boise and Pocatello issue high wind warnings.

Wind advisories today.

Gusts 55-60 mph in spots with a winter storm watch for mountain zones late tonight.

Thursday.

Difficult travel is possible for high profile vehicles.

Isolated outages and blowing drifting snow in higher terrain are expected.

Montana High wind warnings remain across parts of central eastern Montana with gusts strong enough to impact lightweight high profile vehicles.

Winter storm warnings continue along the East Glacier southern Rocky Mountain front today with additional mountain snow and blowing snow at passes.

WYOMING High wind warnings are in effect for wind prone areas eg Arlington, Elk Mountain and adjacent ranges through Thursday.

Crosswinds hazardous for light and high profile vehicles along i80 i25.

Blowing snow could briefly reduce visibility where showers develop later.

COLORADO Front Range foothills and southern Eastern Plains see high wind warnings.

Red flag in spots today.

NWS Denver Boulder Notes peak gust windows late morning through evening with travel impacts for high profile vehicles and sporadic outages possible.

Elevated to critical fire weather is possible east with very dry downslope winds.

NORTH DAKOTA NWS Bismarck and Grand Forks highlight a strong storm tonight Thursday with a high wind warning.

West, south central and winter storm watches Northeast Blizzard conditions are possible, mainly in the northern Red River Valley with gusts to 70 mph where snow coincides with wind.

High wind warnings cover western South Dakota today into Thursday afternoon with gusts topping 60-70 mph in favored locations.

NWS Rapid City Flags Limited snow squall blowing snow risk and near critical fire weather today ahead of colder air.

NEBRASKA Western and north central Nebraska sit under a high wind watch for Thursday.

NWS north platte calls for 35-45 mph sustained winds with gusts near 60-70 mph possible, producing hazardous crosswinds and patchy blowing dust.

Snow UTAH Northern Utah faces widespread gusty winds today.

NWS SALT Lake City highlights 45-55 mph gusts common up to 60 mph near Curlew Junction.

Wendover with a wind advisory for the Wasatch front.

Rain snow showers follow tonight into Thursday over higher terrain.

Minnesota north northwest Minnesota NWS Duluth Grand Forks Note winter storm watches and a chance of blizzard conditions late tonight through Thursday, mainly north of Huawei 2.

Farther south, strong winds with lighter snow could still produce brief whiteouts in open areas.

All other states have no significant updates in the last 24 hours.

We'll keep tracking river stages, wind warnings and late week storm timing as new advisories are issued.

Source links are in the show notes below.

Stay safe.