LOCAL ALERT WEATHER DAY: Wintry weather in the high desert and heavy mountain snow
BEND, Ore (KTVZ) -
Today is a Local Alert Weather Day due to heavy mountain snow and winter weather in the high desert. The Alert Day is mostly for the Cascades as the majority of Central Oregon will experience pretty typical wintry weather but local travel will be impacted regardless.
A Winter Storm Warning is active for the Cascades, eastern slopes, and areas south of Bend until 4pm Thursday.
Mountain snow will be heaviest today, becoming more showery tomorrow. Travel through the passes will be hazardous.
Off and on snow showers will fall in the high desert this afternoon, while the morning hours stay mostly dry. Snow levels are expected to drop to around 2000ft today, which means that even Jefferson County has the chance to see a few flakes this evening.
Most of the snow is expected to stick to the mountains tomorrow but there’s the chance for a stray shower to meander its way off the mountain through the first half of the day Thursday.
We’re tracking around 2 feet of snow across the mountains through the end of Thursday, give or take. La Pine, Sunriver, and Sisters could pick up between 2-4” and the Bend-Redmond area will likely see around and inch or so. Little to no accumulation is expected further north.
The region clears out by Friday. Plan for a bluebird day at the mountain! The weekend will be mild and dry. With temperatures gradually heating up this weekend, the fresh mountain snow could get a little slushy. Friday will be the best day to hit the slopes.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
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