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Data: Axios survey; Note: 1,834 readers of Axios Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, D.C., Northwest Arkansas, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay were surveyed Nov. 19-23, 2021; Chart: Danielle Alberti/Axios; Illustrations: Aïda Amer/Axios

Axios Local asked readers across the country to weigh in on one of the most polarizing holiday debates: How early is too early to put up your tree?

55% of readers said the appropriate time to put up a tree is in November, after Thanksgiving. Another 17% voted for early December, and 20% were on board earlier this month.

The Grinch must have voted a couple of times in our poll: 2% of readers said a tree is only acceptable after Dec. 20.

Reader survey: You can put up your Christmas tree now

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Rainfall records tumbled in Washington state on Thanksgiving night as the first of two atmospheric river events forecast for this week began threatening the Pacific Northwest, per the National Weather Service.

Why it matters: The region is still recovering from last week's atmospheric river that brought record rainfall, flooding and mudslides, with Washington and Canada's British Columbia particularly badly hit.

The new storm was pummeling areas hit by last week's storm — with Bellingham in Whatcom County, Washington, setting a fresh rainfall record, according to the NWS. County officials assessing damage from last week's storm estimate it could have cost as much as $50 million, per AP.

Across the border in Canada, British Columbia officials warned there could be flooding in areas where flood recovery efforts from last week's storm were continuing.

Threat level: A "new Atmospheric River containing rich subtropical Pacific moisture" taking aim at the Pacific Northwest was expected to generate moderate-to-heavy rainfall overnight and again on Saturday, according to the NWS.

"A prolonged stretch of moderate-to-heavy rainfall combined with rapid snow melt could lead to excess runoff," the agency said. 

"This may result in quickly rising creeks and streams, making localized flooding a possibility in parts of western Washington. 

"Locally heavy rainfall is also possible in far northwestern Oregon, but the heaviest rainfall totals (1 to 3 inches) are most likely to occur in the Olympics and northern Cascades. "

In British Columbia, a flood watch was issued for parts of the south coast.

The Fraser Valley was expecting up to 2 more inches of rain to fall by Friday morning, CBC News reports.

What's next: There'll be a brief respite Friday, but more heavy rain is expected to arrive late Saturday, according to the weather service. 

"This next Atmospheric River event is expected to produce an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain across the Olympics and northern Cascades beginning Saturday afternoon, with locally higher amounts possible," the NWS said. 

"Given the recent periods of heavy rainfall, flooding and excessive runoff will undoubtedly be a concern once again."

Meanwhile, residents in Southern California are facing an intense Santa Ana wind event through Friday. High wind warnings have been posted along the mountain ranges and coastal regions. 

This combined with "dangerously low humidity levels" has triggered red flag and critical risk wildfire warnings to be issued by the Storm Prediction Center for much of the Southern California mountains and adjacent foothills. 

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

Flood-ravaged Pacific Northwest hit by more record rainfall

Forecasters are warning parts of western Washington could be hit by more flooding, a week on from the last devastating storm.

Satellite images taken last Friday of flooding in Sumas Prairie to the east of Abbotsford in British Columbia, Canada, near the border with the U.S., last Friday.

Satellite images taken last Friday of flooding in the Sumas Prairie to the east of Abbotsford in British Columbia, Canada, near the border with the U.S. Photo: Maxar Technologies

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Climate change

Extreme weather

Ominous forecasts about the impact of climate change serve as the backdrop for the world — led by U.S. lawmakers and companies — to debate big action on the problem, which could upend energy systems and our way of life.

Saturday's science stories

Reader survey: You can put up your Christmas tree now

Flood-ravaged Pacific Northwest hit by more record rainfall