Rain, rain and some more rain Monday as atmospheric river hits Portland

The promised atmospheric river had arrived in Portland by Monday morning, and that meant: Rain.

According to the National Weather Service, the “strong” atmospheric river would bring rain to much of western Washington and parts of northwest Oregon through Wednesday.

Much of the state is under a flood watch .

“Widespread river, small stream, and urban flooding is likely to occur,” the agency warned in a bulletin. “People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes, in canyons, and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk from rapidly moving landslides or debris flows.”

Small streams and creeks in the Portland area have a good chance of flooding, the agency said.

The rain is expected to continue at pace.

Between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning, the National Weath