By Rod Hill on 2021-02-09
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for all of western Oregon except the coast and up through southwest Washington and the gorge. The watch begins Thursday afternoon and expires Saturday morning (but may be extended). Steady moisture increasing Thursday daytime and showers into the night will likely be a mix of accumulating sleet, freezing rain and snow. Weather models show 1-3" of snow plus ice for much of the I-5 corridor, although areas such as Salem may miss out and see mainly daytime rain and overnight flurries. Gusty east winds are expected to bring the cold air and incoming moisture will clash for a mix of ice and snow. The forecast is not a slam dunk, meaning stay tuned for updates. Areas closest to the cold gorge east winds will have the most likely chance to see snow and ice accumulation.
Saturday holds the potential for a major snow storm. Stay updated as I track this winter weather pattern through Sunday morning.
Click on the 7day forecast for specific daily weather updates.
-Rod Hill
FLOOD WATCH UPDATE