A series of weather disturbances will bring rounds of rain, high-elevation snow, and gusty winds across the Pacific Northwest into the weekend.
The first wave of moisture will move across the region today and will bring a round of moderate to briefly heavy rainfall in the lower elevations, a mix of rain and snow in the middle elevations, and all snow across the higher elevations of western Washington and Oregon.
With snow levels expected to be near or below most of the passes, traveling throughout the region will be difficult at best and dangerous at worst. Above the passes, as much as 15-20 inches of fresh snow is expected today, while 4 to 8 inches of snow will be possible across the passes.
Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued across the Cascades of Washington and Oregon, as well as the Siskiyou Mountains of northern California.
While precipitation is not expected to end Friday morning, it will become lighter before another surge of moisture reaches the region later Friday afternoon into Saturday. Rain and high-elevation snow will once again become moderate to briefly heavy at time during that period.
Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet will be possible over the highest elevations, while several inches of snow will likely accumulate in the passes. Meanwhile, rainfall today into Saturday morning of 1.0-1.5 inches will be possible in the lower elevations, especially near the coast.
In addition to the rain and snow, some gusty winds will be possible over the next couple of days. Wind gusts of 25-35 mph will be possible in the lower elevations, while wind gusts of 35-50 mph will be possible over the higher elevations.
It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage. It’s always best to avoid traveling in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous.
