Wintry mix expected Wednesday, significant snow on Thursday
There will be a bit of a lull today as the region prepares for what may be another heavy round of snow in the region. There is a Winter Storm Warning for the Central Oregon Cascades beginning Wednesday and lingering into Thursday. Feet of snow will fall over the mountains Thursday as the lower elevations see about 5 – 7”. Currently a Winter Storm Warning includes the western portions of Jefferson and Deschutes Counties including Sisters, La Pine and Sunriver.
A Wind Advisory is in place from 10 pm Wednesday until 10 am Thursday and includes Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras and Warm Springs. This area is not included in the Winter Storm Warning as the amount of snow will be below that criteria. Still expecting snow amounts in the 2 - 4" range. Winter Weather Advisory may be issued.
Today there will be periods of snow falling over the Cascades adding to the base.
Before all that, we have a mix of rain and snow to navigate through on Wednesday. The mountains will be getting all snow of course, but the Bend and Redmond and most 97 corridor cities will have to deal with rain and snow, lingering icy roads overnight before a major snow event arrives on Thursday.
The snow will be associated with a cold front that will cross the region on Thursday. This will bring a brief period of very heavy snow to lower elevations followed by steady snow into the night. Sisters, La Pine, and Sunriver will see about 6 – 10” if the models hold, and Bend/Redmond will be measuring snowfall at around 4 – 6”.
This is not the only issue with this late season storm, winds will be howling near 60 mph across the crests of the Cascades and 35 mph gusts possible at lower elevations. Blowing snow may push the region into Blizzard-like conditions for a brief period Thursday.
Snow showers linger Friday and Saturday before tapering off Sunday. A few flurries may linger into the new work week, but we are going to have to deal with some very tough travel conditions for the next several days.
Keep an eye on the Weather Alerts in our area by checking out the red banner at the top of the page as they update frequently.
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