Heavy Snow and High Winds Impact Pacific Northwest: Storm Alert Issued
The Pacific Northwest is facing a series of severe weather conditions that could impact both travel and daily activities. Snow has been falling heavily across the Cascades, with Government Camp receiving more than a foot of snow in the last 24 hours. Additional accumulations are expected, particularly in higher elevations, and a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for much of the region. Snow levels are expected to stay low, meaning continued snow accumulation in mountain passes and foothills.
While the Winter Storm Warning is set to expire Monday night, the storm will continue to bring challenging conditions to the area. The National Weather Service warns that travel will be extremely difficult, with snow expected to accumulate up to 15 inches above 2,000 feet. These hazardous conditions may impact both the morning and evening commutes.
In addition to heavy snow, a powerful Pacific storm will bring high winds to the region beginning Tuesday. Coastal areas could experience gusts up to 65 mph, while offshore winds may exceed 80 mph. Inland areas, including North and Central Oregon, will also see winds up to 60 mph. The Columbia River Gorge will likely experience strong east winds with gusts reaching 45 mph.
Meteorologists are monitoring the storm’s movement closely and warn that wind gusts could cause disruptions, including power outages and dangerous driving conditions. Stay informed about the latest weather updates, especially if you plan to travel in the affected regions.
A Storm Tracker 2 Weather Alert remains in effect for the Oregon Coast Range and Cascade mountain passes, where heavy snow has been accumulating. Over the last 24 hours, more than a foot of new snow has fallen in areas like Government Camp.
“The snow level will remain low enough for more snow accumulation in the foothills and mountain passes as the next storm system moves in on Tuesday afternoon and continues into the night,” said Storm Tracker 2 Meteorologist Rhonda Shelby. “Travelers in the Cascades should expect extreme winter driving conditions.”
The Winter Storm Warning is set to expire at 10 p.m. Monday night, but additional snow accumulations of 10-15 inches are expected at elevations above 2,000 feet. “Travel could be hazardous to near-impossible in certain areas. The dangerous conditions may cause disruptions for both the morning and evening commutes,” according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Portland.
On Tuesday, a potent Pacific storm will bring heavy winds to the region, including gusty conditions along the coast and east winds around Portland.
“I expect that several areas will experience significant impacts, including potentially damaging wind gusts tomorrow,” Shelby said. “South winds along the coast could reach 60-65 mph, with offshore gusts exceeding 80 mph. North-Central and Central Oregon will be the most likely areas to see gusts near 60 mph by Tuesday afternoon or evening.” Shelby added, “Residents in the Gorge will experience strong east winds due to a low-pressure system off the coastline, with gusts reaching 40-45 mph between Multnomah Falls and The Dalles.”
High-resolution weather models predict the possibility of even stronger east winds, depending on the exact path of the storm’s low-pressure center.
Stay tuned to Storm Tracker 2 Meteorologist Dave Salesky for updates on the forecast at 5 p.m. on KATU’s Digital Edition, at 8 p.m. after Monday Night Football, and on KATU News at 11 p.m.