Icy Spots Possible, But Mostly Rain Expected

By Rod Hill on 2011-01-11

I am forecasting 33 degrees tonight for Salem and Portland.  (It could be warmer!)  So, after all of my talk, most of the metro will see steady rain this evening and heavy rain at times Wednesday and Thursday.  Caution:  Cold pockets will be possible.  Please watch the temperature closely tonight.  If your home warms to 35 degrees, you likely will remain above freezing and in fact will likely warm further by morning.  Any cold pockets could see significant ice accumulation.  The Gorge will be under a Winter Storm Warning tonight and Wednesday morning for ice and snow.  The Coast could see 60 mph wind gusts near the beach overnight as the warm front arrives.  Travelers into the mountains will likely encounter a mix of rain, ice and snow this evening and overnight.  All snow will fall above 5,000 feet Wednesday.