Get ready, Oregonians. Snow is on its way.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning warning residents of the Portland and Vancouver area against a series of storms that are expected to bring a mix of frozen precipitation to much of the region Thursday through Friday.
The warning lasts 24 hours from Thursday afternoon. Forecasters said the first round of winter weather is likely to bring two to six inches of snow to Portland, which has so far received only a little snow so far this year.
The weather service said residents of Astoria, McMinnville and Salem, for example, should expect a mix of rain, snow and freezing rain. According to the agency, ice rain is unlikely in Corvallis and Eugene.
Five to ten inches of snow can fall in the Hood River Valley. And there will be a lot of snow piling up on Mount Hood: up to 11 inches is possible Thursday at Timberline Lodge, and the night could pile up another 10 inches.
The warning in Portland and Vancouver is being warned against the possibility of spotty power outages and tree damage due to wind or ice.
“Travel can be challenging at times,” says the warning.
According to the weather service, Portland’s temperature is expected to drop to about 33 degrees by 4pm and then to around 28 degrees on Thursday night.
Forecasters expect the temperature in Portland to be almost freezing.
Meanwhile, a storm surge warning is in effect in western Columbia River Gorge – which covers areas including Corbett and Cascade Locks – from late Thursday morning to Friday afternoon. Forecasters expect gusts of 55 to 70 km / h.
“Travel should only be limited to emergencies,” reads the warning.
The central Willamette Valley is also under advice from winter weather this morning from 4pm Thursday to Friday Friday.
– The Oregonian / OregonLive