Heavy Cascades snow expected Wednesday; temps heat up into the 70s this weekend

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — We remain in a Storm Tracker 2 Weather Alert for heavy snow in the Cascades.

Today’s cold front is quickly approaching the Oregon Coast and with it, a burst of wind, rain, and snow in the mountains.

WEATHER | Latest Storm Tracker 2 Forecast

Once it moves through the Portland area early this afternoon, we will see the winds pick up as cold air moves in overhead. Up in the Cascades, the snow level will come down to around 2500 feet.

The heaviest snow will fall in the Central Cascades of Marion, Linn, and Lane Counties.

The Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory went into effect this morning at 5 a.m.

“We are still looking at significant snowfall in the Cascades over the next 36 hours,” said Storm Tracker 2 Digital Meteorologist Bobby Corser. “This early spring storm will make travel difficult over the Santiam and Willamette passes.”

On Mt. Hood, we will see 5 to 10 inches of snow at Government Camp with higher amounts at Timberline. Travel on Highway 26 will be impacted but should be less of an issue than the other two major passes.

In the valleys, rain had started overnight. By Thursday afternoon, the showers will end and the Portland area will have received about an inch of rain.

Higher amounts are forecast along the coast as the cold front moves in and heavy showers and thunderstorms follow.

Anyone could see a thunderstorm today. With cold air aloft and surface heating, a rumble of thunder or small hail can’t be ruled out.

Once we get past Thursday, it’s off to the races. Sunny skies take hold as high pressure builds into the region.

High temperatures on Friday will top out in the upper 60s, while Saturday and Sunday will be above 70 degrees. We are calling for a high of 75 on Easter Sunday.