Snow returns, temperatures plummet
There are several issues to contend with once again as the wintry storms push across the Beaver State.
First here is the latest information about the snow. The snow will continue to push over the mountains through the night that will be off and on. The more robust snow showers will be south of Bend, from Lava Butte to La Pine and will continue into the evening Saturday. The amounts will likely be in the 7 – 10” range. Sisters is included in the higher snow category due to the proximity to the eastern range of the Cascades.
From Bend to Madras and east to Prineville the snow will be formidable Saturday reaching the 5 – 7” range as far as accumulations.
There is also a chance for the Cascades to see some Freezing Rain, or icy accumulations starting around sunrise Saturday until about noon.
There is a bit of an interesting aspect to this snowfall potential, the temperatures. The snowfall ratio, meaning the water to snow equivalent, may change the numbers. If the temps are cold enough and the air dry enough there will be a lighter or fluffier snowfall that will accumulate to a much higher number, even though the water content is the same. Skiers like this powder much better.
Speaking of temperatures, the region will be dangerously cold tonight and through the weekend as a blast of arctic air is moving over the region. Actual temperatures (those that we read on the thermometer) will be near or below zero tonight and Saturday night into Sunday. The highs on Saturday will be around 10 degrees. Factor in some wind, 10 – 12 mph, and we have “feels like” temperatures in the 15 to 20 degrees below zero range.
Wind Chill alerts have been issued by the National Weather Service through the weekend. Stay bundled up, don’t go out unless you absolutely have to, cover as much of yourself as you can, and if you are outside, take frequent shelter breaks inside to warm up.
The snow ends Saturday evening, the cold will linger until at least Tuesday. There will be slightly warmer (less cold) air after Saturday, but still in the single digits at night and low 20s during the day.
Stay Safe
Please monitor the "Red Banners" at the top of the page for updates to warnings, watches and advisories as they change periodically.
Don’t forget to download the KTVZ weather app to stay safe and informed.
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ktvz-local-alert-weather-app/id1088330817
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ktvz.android.weather&hl=en_US
