By Rod Hill on 2017-01-06
Watches are posted from Longview to Portland to Eugene for a weekend Winter Storm, bringing snow and freezing rain accumulation. Look for a period of increasing snow to begin Saturday afternoon, changing to freezing rain toward evening. Ice accumulation will be likely Saturday overnight and Sunday morning for much of the region. Areas near the Gorge may see Winter Storm conditions last into Monday. Other locations, such as Salem will see Sunday warming and all moisture change to rain.
In general, 1-3" of possible snow is in the forecast Saturday afternoon into early evening. A transition to freezing rain Saturday night will bring ice accumulations of .25 - .75", coating trees, powerlines and roadways. If true, the valley would see a major ice storm, lasting well into the day Sunday for areas near the gorge.
The central Gorge, including Hood River will see mostly now, with 6-12" expected! West Gorge cities such as Corbett could see 2-5" of snow with an inch of ice accumulation on top. Coast Range cities will see 3-4" of snow with .25-.75" of ice coming Saturday night.
All areas should plan for at least some snow accumulation, followed by ice. Sunday will find a wide variety of weather with possible 40s and rain in Salem, while Portland stays near freezing with icy weather not breaking until Sunday night. The coast will see nothing but rain while the Gorge waits until Monday or Monday night to warm above freezing.
-Rod Hill
Sunday Morning Snow Update - Jan 1, 2017