Get ready, Oregonians. Snow is on its way.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm alert that alerts residents of the Portland and Vancouver areas against a series of storms that are expected to bring a mixture of frozen precipitation to much of the region from Thursday to Friday.
The notice extends for 24 hours starting at noon on Thursday. Meteorologists said the first round of winter weather was expected to bring two to three inches of snow to Portland, which has received only a trace of 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. Freezing rain is unlikely, but possible on Corvallis and Eugene, according to the agency.
Five to 25 centimeters of snow can fall in the Hood River Valley. And a lot of snow will accumulate on Mount Hood: up to 11 inches is possible on Thursday at Timberline Lodge, and an additional 25 centimeters can accumulate that night.
The alert for the Portland and Vancouver areas advises against the possibility of power outages and damage to trees due to wind or ice.
“Traveling can be challenging at times,” says the warning.
Portland temperatures are expected to drop to around 33 degrees at around 4pm, and then drop to around 28 degrees on Thursday night, according to the weather service.
Meteorologists expect Portland temperatures to reach close to zero on Friday.
Meanwhile, a blizzard warning is in effect in the west of the Columbia River Gorge – covering areas that include Corbett and Cascade Locks – from late Thursday morning to midday on Friday. Meteorologists expect gusts of 55 to 70 mph.
“Travel should be restricted to emergencies only,” says the warning.
The central Willamette Valley is also under a winter weather alert from 4pm Thursday to noon on Friday.
– The Oregonian / OregonLive