PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for the Oregon and Washington Cascades. The warning is for both the west and east sides of the mountain range.
WEATHER | Latest Storm Tracker 2 Forecast
Several feet of fresh powder are expected to fall over next 48 hours. Drivers heading over highway passes will see winter driving conditions.
ODOT is saying that vehicles need to carry chains or traction devices.
“Two to three feet of fresh snow will fall on Mt. Hood and south Washington Cascade peaks through Thursday,” Storm Tracker 2 Digital Meteorologist Bobby Corser said. “We could see one to two feet falling over Santiam and Willamette passes during the same time.”
Cascade snowfall forecast map through Thursday – Storm Tracker 2 Weather graphic
The freezing level was measured this morning over Salem at 3,694 feet. The snow level is generally about 1,000 feet below.
With the incoming cold front, winds will also gust across the passes. Forecasters are expecting winds as high as 30 mph Tuesday and Tuesday night.
The snow comes to an end by Friday morning; however, the snow level will rise to around 5,000 feet on Sunday and is forecast to remain above pass level through next Monday.
In Portland, the rain will pick up over the course of the morning. Winds will also become gusty this afternoon.
The Portland metro area could see up to an inch of rain by Thursday.
Winds are forecast to gust to around 25 mph for a few hours Tuesday afternoon – Storm Tracker 2 Weather graphic
The rain will transition to showers on Wednesday morning. Highs today and Wednesday will top out in the mid-40s.
We dry out on Friday before more rain arrives over the weekend.
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