Winter Storm Warning through Monday, persistent pattern of precipitation this week

The mild start to the day was short lives as the rain moving in after the noon hour has cooled the region down.  The rain will transition to a wintry mix of rain and snow along 97 late in the day then to mostly snow overnight. Not much is expected to accumulate in Bend or Redmond north and east, but Sunriver, La Pine, and Sisters may see 3 or 4” of snow by late Monday.

Monday will be mostly cloudy with periods of snow early then off and on burst through the day west of 97 and south of Lava Butte. Heavy snow on the mountains will be great news once again for all the snow riders, but not great news for those who travel the passes.

Tuesday will be relatively dry to start, with just some lingering snow on the Cascades. The big weather issue for Tuesday will be the gusty winds. Winds will howl over the region from the south and southeast at around 30 mph and gusts near 60 are possible from time to time. Secure anything in the yard that may be ‘relocated’ by the winds such as trash cans and lawn decorations you may have put up for the holidays. A High Wind Watch goes into effect in the afternoon Tuesday and should be upgraded to a High Wind Warning or Wind Advisory by Monday.

Wednesday and Thursday will be milder but we are still going to deal with periods of rain with snow mixed in overnight. The persistent nature of the precipitation has me a bit concerned about minor flooding as the week moves along.

Overall, winter is making an early charge, and although the snow riders are excited, most homeowners need to get on with preparing your home for the cold. Car owners also need to get that safety kit updated in your trunk.

Please Stay Safe.

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