By Rod Hill on 2016-12-07
WINTER STORM CONDITIONS LIKELY THURSDAY FOR PORTLAND BUT SALEM MAY SEE ONLY RAIN
Gusty east winds blowing out of the gorge will pick up Wednesday afternoon and blow through the day Thursday. Wind gusts near the gorge may reach 50 mph. The east wind will play a role in setting up cold temperatures as Pacific moisture arrives Thursday morning.
Forecast models now show possible dry weather over Portland early Thursday into mid or late morning. Light snow or flurries will be possible before heavier moisture arrives before the noon hour. Sleet or freezing rain will be likely near the gorge, over Portland and north into Vancouver much of the afternoon. Ice accumulations of .20" will be possible. Areas near Wilsonville and south to Salem may end up seeing mostly a rainy day. However, scattered cold pockets, especially near the mountains may see snow accumulation up to 4" and or an icy mix. All areas except the mouth of the gorge will change to rain during the evening hours. I am not sure when Troutdale and other east county locations make the change over to all rain.
At this point, the most certain points of Thursday's forecast is the expected rain over Salem and a period of icy weather over Portland or at least near the gorge. Please watch temperatures and updates as the potential winter storm develops.
- Rod Hill
Low Snow Levels at Times Monday - Thursday 