Local Alert Days, today, Saturday and Sunday as wind, rain, and snow impact Central Oregon
(KTVZ, Bend Ore.) The Local Alert Days are in place for Friday and Sunday as the region braces for several waves of rain, snow, and wind.
The first wave is expected to bring rain to the region today as a line of showers accompany a cold front. The cold front will serve to push the mild pattern out of the area and introduce a much cooler air mass to the region. Winds ahead of the front will arrive from the southwest at around 20 – 25 mph and there is a Wind Advisory in place until late this evening for parts of the region. Gusts may crack off some weak tree limbs and could cause some power outages if they fall on power lines. Be alert for wind issues today and secure your Halloween decorations.
Gusts may approach the 40-mph range Friday afternoon.
The afternoon high temperatures over the weekend will be in the upper 40s to low 50s, a far cry from the 70s experienced this week.
The second wave of energy will arrive Saturday morning along the coast and move over Central Oregon in the mid-day time frame. Since the colder air mass is in place, there will be a mix of rain and snow with this round. The mountains will start to see accumulating snow that will continue through Sunday evening. The high desert will experience a mix of rain and snow Saturday afternoon and evening. Accumulations are not expected on roads, but grassy areas and elevated surfaces, like a deck or your vehicle, may see some wet snow get about an inch high. Winds will also be a factor, so be aware possible broken tree limbs and, if they fall on power lines, a few outages.
Sunday will be the more impactful day as far as snow is concerned. The third wave will bring in moisture from the southwest as a low develops off the coast of southern Oregon. This will bring the moisture into the already cold air. The result will be dropping snow levels and accumulating snow in Central Oregon in the morning.
The amounts will be light in the region, but La Pine, Sunriver, Sisters and Lava Butte may see 1 – 3” of snow by Sunday morning. A Winter Weather Advisory will go into effect late Saturday night and last through Sunday, ending after midnight.
If you plan on traveling through the passes this weekend, allow extra time. All passes will be impacted by either snow or wind or both.
The Local Alert days are issued in advance of the events so you can adjust your plans and stay safe. This weekend will be a weather intensive weekend, so be careful and alert.
Please, Stay safe.
Don’t forget to download the KTVZ weather app to stay safe and informed.
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