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"The Pineapple Express" is Coming to Town

An Atmospheric River - known as the Pineapple Express is coming to Redding
An Atmospheric River - known as the Pineapple Express is coming to Redding

REDDING, CA – As the holiday season ramps up, Mother Nature is delivering an early gift--or perhaps a soggy challenge---in the form of a classic Pineapple Express. This atmospheric river, named for its origins near Hawaii where it picks up tropical moisture, is set to drench the West Coast this week, bringing much-needed rain to drought-prone Northern California. But while Redding residents can expect a good soaking, our neighbors to the north in Oregon and Washington are gearing up for the storm's fiercest blows, with potential for major flooding and disruptions.


The Redding area saw normal amounts of rain in October and early-November but a high-pressure ridge moved in and began sending our typical mid to late November rains up north. The Pineapple Express is now rolling in off the coast and our area is no stranger to this weather phenomena. These powerful moisture plumes have historically caused everything from beneficial reservoir refills to devastating floods, like the infamous 1997 event that inundated parts of California and Snowmageddon of 2017 that dropped record amounts of snow and led to local flooding. This time around, forecasts indicate the system will initially hammer the Pacific Northwest before shifting southward, arriving in Northern California around December 16 - 17. Experts from the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes describe it as a moderate to strong atmospheric river (AR2/AR3 intensity), merging with lingering moisture from previous storms for a multi-day event.


For Redding specifically, get ready for multiple rounds of rain from December 16 through 21, with precipitation chances hovering between 55-97% on most days. While the Sacramento Valley might see lower totals – around 1-3 inches overall – nearby areas like the northern Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges could accumulate 3-6 inches in just 72 hours ending December 17. That's significant for our area, potentially easing dry conditions but also raising concerns for minor flooding in low-lying spots, slippery roads, and swollen creeks. Breezy winds may accompany the showers, adding a chill to the mid-50s highs.


Rain is Coming - This Could be What we See. AI Generated
Rain is Coming - This Could be What we See. AI Generated

Up north, the story is more intense. Oregon and Washington are forecast to face AR3/AR4 conditions with heavier rainfall – up to 12 inches in some spots – and elevated flood risks, including slight to marginal excessive rainfall outlooks that could lead to stream rises and urban flooding. AccuWeather warns of a "serious flood threat" in the PNW, where recovery from prior storms is already underway, making this surge particularly precarious.


Local officials urge preparation: Stock up on sandbags if you're in flood-prone areas, clear gutters to prevent backups, and drive cautiously – remember, even an inch of water can sweep a car away. On the brighter side, this rain could boost Shasta Lake levels, benefiting water supplies come summer. As one meteorologist quipped, "It's California's version of a white Christmas – just wetter."


Stay tuned to local alerts as models show some uncertainty; if the system stalls northward, Redding might see lighter impacts, but current guidance points to a solid dousing. For the latest updates, check reliable sources like the National Weather Service or AccuWeather.


Sources

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