Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Possible Freezing Rain in the Valley Thur/Fri

As there will be lots of travel plans into the valley over the next few days, I thought I would pass on this Sepcial Weather Statement from the NWS for the valley:

Potential for freezing rain Thursday night into Friday morning for the North Williamette Valley, Gorge and Hood River Valley.

With the cold air that has been in place this week, there is a chance that some freezing rain could develop in advance of an incoming system. Overall the airmass will be warming, but an easterly pressure graduent through the George may keep pockets of cold air around the area, potentially giving a period of freezing rain overnight Thursday into Friday morning. The chances of this occurring are better in the Gorge and Hood River area.

Even though this is a low probably event, it has the potential to cause a lot of impact due to the holiday travel season. Stay tuned for this potential weather event.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Snow level 1200" now and dropping thru the day.

NWS Statement as of 5:34am PST on November

Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10pm PST this evening for the Willapa Hills and the north and central Oregon Coast Range.

*Timing...snow showers will increase this morning...with steady snow this afternoon and evening.

*Accumulation...another 3-6 inches today and tonight.

*Snow levels...near the surface in the Willapa Hills. Snow levels near 1200 feet in the north and central Oregon Coast Range...lowering to the surface tonight.

*Impact...roads will likely become snow covered and hazardous for travel.

Precautions/preparedness actions...

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities...and use caution while driving.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Even colder weather coming with a snow potential.

A Special Weather Statement from the NWS Portland.

Another system will drop south out of British Columbia today, bringing snow to the coast range, the Foothills, and the Cascades this afternoon and tonight. Snow levels will generally be between 1000-1500' but may fall to 500' in southwest Washington tonight. Winter Weather Advisories for this afternoon and tonight have been issued for the Oregon Cascades and Foothills as well as the central Coast Range.

A stronger system will drop south out of British Columbia on Monday allowing more significant cold air to filter into southwest Washingtonm and Northwest Oregon. Snow levels will lower to near the valley floor late Monday afternoon thru Monday night, with the potential for light accumulations as the system drops to the south. The Coast may also see some snow by Monday night. The best threat for significant low elevation snowfall will be the Gorge where 2-4" may fall. The Coast Range and Foothills may see 3-6" of new snow, with 6-12"in the Cascades. Lighter amounts are expected over southwest Washington with the heavier amounts further south.

Low temperatures in the valley are likely to drop into the 20s Monday and Tuesday nights, with slow moderation to follow for the latter half of the week. After Monday night it appears drier conditions are in store as high pressure builds over the region.

Now would be a good time to make preparations for colder temperatures and possibly snow in the lowlands.