Local Alert Days Saturday and Sunday, gusty winds, wintry mix and mountain snow
Today and Sunday are Local Alert Days due to the gusty winds, mountain snow and impacted travel conditions.
Friday was a very windy day with several locations recording gusts in 40 to 50 mph range. Below is a list of some of the highest gusts. That was the first wave of the weekend.
The second wave of energy will arrive Today 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 this 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.
This line of rain and snow looks very potent, so prepare for a snowy start to the day. Although the ground is not frozen, the chance for a couple of inches to pile up by Sunday morning is likely in Southern Deschutes County and along the East Face of the Cascades. The snow and mix may start to settle down in the afternoon, but spotty showers are expected to linger into the evening.
A Winter Weather Advisory will go into effect later tonight as travel conditions deteriorate and the snow and wintry mix continue. The Cascades will see the Advisory last until 5 am while Deschutes and Jefferson Counties will see it expire just after midnight.
Below is a guide to the snow levels and potential snowfall over the weekend.
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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