Get ready, Oregonians. Snow is on the way.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning that cautions residents of the Portland and Vancouver areas against a series of storms that are expected to bring a mix of frozen precipitation to much of the region Thursday into Friday.
The warning extends for 24 hours beginning at noon Thursday. Forecasters said the first round of winter weather is likely to bring two to six inches of snow to Portland, which has gotten 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 in Corvallis and Eugene, according to the agency.
Five to 10 inches of snow could fall in the Hood River Valley. And plenty of snow will pile up on Mount Hood: Up to 11 inches is possible Thursday at Timberline Lodge, and another 10 inches could accumulate that night.
The Portland- and Vancouver-area warning advises against the possibility of spotty power outages and tree damage because of wind or ice.
“Travel could be challenging at times,” the warning says.
Portland temperatures are expected to fall to about 33 degrees by 4 p.m., then dip to roughly 28 degrees Thursday night, according to the weather service.
Forecasters expect Portland temperatures to top out near freezing Friday.
Meanwhile, a blizzard warning is in effect in the western Columbia River Gorge — covering areas including Corbett and Cascade Locks — from late Thursday morning to noon Friday. Forecasters expect wind gusts of 55 to 70 mph.
“Travel should be restricted to emergencies only,” the warning says.
The central Willamette Valley is also under a winter weather advisory from 4 p.m. Thursday to noon Friday.
— The Oregonian/OregonLive
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