Local Alert Weather Day Wednesday as robust mountain snow is likely, snow and mix across the high desert

Bend, Ore (KTVZ)— A complex pattern of precipitation has arrived in the region and will provide the mountains with several inches of snow by Thursday morning.  There is a Winter Storm Warning for the Cascades through Thursday mid-day, with heavy snow at times and gusty winds.

Reduced visibility will be a problem traveling through the passes. The total amount of snow above 4500 feet should range from 12 – 20 inches across the Cascades by the time Thursday morning rolls around.

The Local Alert Weather Team has issued a Local Alert Day for Wednesday, as this will be the most impactful day of this event. We just want to reinforce the importance of the potential issues that come with the snow and wintry mix conditions.

The high desert will see some snow overnight into Wednesday followed by another round of snow into the evening. The accumulation totals will be around 1 – 3” in Bend and Redmond, while Sunriver, La Pine, will be closer to 3 – 5”.  Sisters may see closer to 6 – 8” if the winds are right.

Travel will be impacted Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning in the region. Prineville may see an inch or two and the Ochoco Mountains will get around 6 – 7” by the end of this event.

Be prepared with your snow kit in your car if you are traveling over the mountains. This is expected to be our first good dose of snow this season and the resorts are very excited to get some decent snow.
We don’t want to alarm everyone, this will be a mountain event for the most part, but snow will impact the high desert.  Dust off the shovel, it may be time to use it for the first time this year.

ODOT crews are preparing for a busy day, so we all need to do the same.

As for the rest of the week, sunshine arrives Thursday afternoon and the mercury in the thermometer rises into the 50s over the weekend.  Look forward to enjoying the new snow at our area resorts.

Please, Stay safe.

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