Local Alert Weather Day: Friday& Sunday
A Local Alert Weather Day has been issued for Friday and Sunday. Friday's impacts are about the wind while Sunday will bring heavy mountain snow, and chances for snow and a wintry mix in the high desert. he incoming storm is not incredibly strong, but is the first of the season.
A Wind Advisory will be active from 11am to 11pm tonight. Wind gusts will generally be between 30-40mph but could reach near 50mph. You'll want to pick up your yard, and secure any loose outdoor objects. There is a slight chance for very localized damage, such as downed tree branches. This could cause power outages. While not highly likely, it is important to stay weather prepared.
Sunday will be the day when the third wave of rain and snow moves through. The first wave Friday will be mostly rain, but followed by a blast of colder air. The second wave of energy will arrive early Saturday along the coast and push east during the day. In the colder air, a mix of rain and snow may develop late Saturday and linger into Sunday. The third wave is arriving from the southwest and will provide generate rain and snow in the cold air that is in place from the previous systems. Sunday will see a better opportunity for snow in Southern Deschutes County and along the east face of the Cascades.
The mountains are likely to get anywhere from 8 - 12" of snow accumulation above 6000 feet with a few more inches on the highest peaks by the end of the weekend. Mountain passes will see some accumulation on the roadway, but significantly less due to the warmer road surfaces.
The Alert Days are issued to highlight the potential for impactful weather. The travel conditions late Saturday into Sunday morning in the mountains will deteriorate as the snow continues to fall. South of Lava Butte to southern Deschutes County may see 1 - 3" of snow, mainly on the grassy areas and fields, but slick roads are likely. Other areas along 97 and east into Crook County will see a mix of rain and snow.
