A winter storm watch starts Friday afternoon for Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. Much of the region saw some snow or slush on Tuesday night. The forecast shows a return of cold conditions heading into the weekend.
With winter storm watch in effect for much of the region, some drivers may find themselves in a predicament like this one show in this Feb. 23, 2023 file photo in Portland.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
The National Weather Service says the Coast Range and Willamette Valley could see snow Friday afternoon, followed by freezing rain Friday night through Saturday.
A winter storm watch also goes into effect Friday for heavy snow and strong winds in the Columbia River Gorge. A winter storm warning that includes extreme cold temperatures will go into effect for much of Oregon east of the Cascades.
A storm “warning” means a hazardous weather event is occurring, imminent or likely. A “watch” means either the timing or exact location of the event is still uncertain. Here’s how the NWS explains the difference.
The precipitation is expected to end in most places early Sunday. Along the Cascades and mountain passes, winter storm warnings are already in effect through Sunday.
