UNITED STATES — Two very different weather threats are lining up for the end of this week and the weekend. Our latest hazards outlook shows heavy rain pounding the Pacific Northwest coast from Friday November 13 through Sunday November 15. At the same time, frost and freeze conditions are expected across a wide part of the South on Saturday November 14 and Sunday November 15.
Key Numbers at a Glance
| Hazard | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy rain | Coastal Washington and Oregon | Friday November 13 to Sunday November 15 |
| Heavy precipitation | Inland Washington, Oregon and northern California | Friday November 13 to Sunday November 15 |
| Frost and freeze | Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma | Saturday November 14 |
| Frost and freeze | Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and the Carolinas | Saturday November 14 to Sunday November 15 |
| Outlook period | Lower 48 and Alaska | Thursday November 12 to Monday November 16 |
Where It Is Hitting
The heavy rain is focused along the West Coast, while the cold is aimed at the South:
- Coastal Washington and Oregon face the heaviest rain, with a long band stretching along the shoreline.
- Inland Washington and Oregon, including the mountains, are in line for heavy rain and mountain snow.
- Northern California is included in the heavy precipitation area at the southern end of the zone.
- Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma could see frost and freeze conditions on Saturday.
- Tennessee, northern Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia face frost and freeze from Saturday into Sunday.
- Southern Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina are also included in the frost and freeze zone.
Alaska has no hazards listed during this period.
When to Expect It
- Thursday November 12: The outlook period begins, with conditions setting up on both coasts.
- Friday November 13: Heavy rain begins along the Washington and Oregon coast.
- Saturday November 14: Frost and freeze arrive across Arkansas, Tennessee and much of the South, while heavy rain continues in the Northwest.
- Sunday November 15: Frost and freeze continue from Tennessee to the Carolinas, and heavy rain finally starts to wind down in the Northwest.
- Monday November 16: The outlook period ends.
Why This Is Happening
In the West, a stormy pattern has been building for weeks, with deep moisture from the Pacific Ocean streaming toward the coast. When that moisture slams into the coastal mountains, it is forced upward and wrung out as heavy rain and mountain snow. This comes on the heels of the atmospheric river our team has been tracking for the West Coast this week.
In the South, colder air is settling in after a record warm fall. On clear, calm nights, heat escapes quickly from the ground, letting temperatures drop enough for frost to form or for a hard freeze to set in.
What This Means for You
For the Northwest, repeated heavy rain could lead to flooding in low-lying areas, rising rivers and slick roads. Mountain passes could turn snowy and dangerous for travel.
For the South, frost and freeze conditions can damage or kill tender plants, flowers and late garden crops. Many people in the region have not had a cold night like this yet this season, so it could catch some off guard.
A frost means ice crystals forming on grass, plants and cars. A freeze means temperatures dropping to 32 degrees or colder, which can do more serious damage.
How to Stay Safe
- Never drive through flooded roads in Washington, Oregon or northern California.
- Check mountain pass conditions before traveling through the Cascades.
- Cover or bring in plants on Friday night and Saturday night across the South.
- Disconnect garden hoses and protect outdoor pipes ahead of the freeze.
- Bring pets indoors and make sure livestock have shelter and unfrozen water.
- Check your heating system before the cold nights arrive.
Boxingessential.com will continue tracking heavy rain and frost and freeze threats across Washington, Oregon, California, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, and will provide updates as rainfall, flooding and overnight lows develop this weekend.
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