Portland, OR – A newly confirmed La Niña is expected to make Winter 2026 one of the wetter seasons across Washington and Oregon.
According to the National Weather Service Seattle, cooler Pacific Ocean waters will enhance the storm corridor from the coast to the Cascades, boosting chances for river flooding and frequent mountain snow. Periodic blocking highs may briefly dry the valleys, but overall rainfall totals are forecast to climb above normal through February.
Highway crews are preparing for recurring passes closures on I-90 and U.S. 26 as snowpacks deepen. Coastal towns could see high-surf alerts during successive Pacific systems. Residents should secure drainage, test sump pumps, and plan alternate travel days into the mountains. Ski areas, meanwhile, are likely to benefit from consistent powder by early January.
