LOCAL ALERT WEATHER DAY: Rain, snow & travel impacts into Thursday

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - Local Alert Weather Days are in place today and Thursday as a stronger system moves through the region.

Expect off and on showers Wednesday, along with a slight chance for an isolated afternoon thunderstorm. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of Oregon under a general risk for thunderstorms. Severe weather is not expected, but any lightning can still be dangerous.

Winds will increase today, and rain will begin mixing with snow tonight into early Thursday. This is not a major snow event for the High Desert, but we could see nuisance impacts such as slushy or slick roads for the Thursday morning commute. Since the ground is not frozen, accumulation should remain very limited.

This system will have a greater impact at higher elevations. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect through Thursday afternoon for the Cascades, where heavier snow and gusty winds are expected.

Travel through the mountain passes could be difficult at times, with periods of heavier snow and reduced visibility. If you plan to travel, it’s a good idea to check ODOT cameras for the latest road conditions.

We’ll see highs in the upper 40s to low 50s today, but cooler air moves in Thursday keeping us in the low to mid 40s.

Once this early spring snow moves out tomorrow, we rebound quickly. Temperatures warm to near 60 on Friday, with 70s back in the forecast for the weekend. It looks beautiful for Easter Sunday with more sunshine ahead!

Don’t forget to download the Local Alert Weather App to stay connected with our team of meteorologists. 

You can get access to LIVE radar and receive urgent weather alerts so you’re always prepared.