PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) – A winter storm warning is now in effect for the Oregon and Washington Cascades. The warning is for the west and east sides of the mountain range.
WEATHER | Latest forecast from Storm Tracker 2
Several meters of fresh powder are expected to fall over the next 48 hours. Drivers using road passes will experience winter driving conditions.
ODOT says vehicles must carry chains or traction devices.
“Two to three feet of new snow will fall on Mt. Hood and the southern Washington Cascade peaks through Thursday,” said Storm Tracker 2 digital meteorologist Bobby Corser. “We could see one to two feet falling over the Santiam and Willamette passes at the same time.”
Cascading Snowfall Forecast Map Through Thursday – Storm Tracker 2 Weather Graph
The freezing level was measured this morning above Salem at 3,694 feet. The snow level is generally about 1,000 feet below.
With the arrival of the cold front, winds will also blow over the passes. Forecasters expect winds up to 30 mph Tuesday and Tuesday evening.
The snow stops Friday morning; however, snow levels will increase to approximately 5,000 feet on Sunday and are expected to remain above passing level through next Monday.
In Portland, the rain will increase during 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 expected to gust around 25 mph for a few hours Tuesday afternoon – Storm Tracker 2 weather graph
Rain will change to showers Wednesday morning. Highs today and Wednesday will peak in the mid-40s.
We dry out on Friday before more rain arrives over the weekend.
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