Weather Impact Alert days: Heavy rain, snow chance in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. — KGW has issued Weather Impact Alert days for Friday through Wednesday due to expected heavy rain and the chance for snow in the Portland metro area.

Following a 17-day dry stretch, rain is finally expected to return Thursday evening. There may be hours of steady rain that’s heavy at times Thursday night and Friday, KGW meteorologist Rod Hill said. Rain will break into showers Friday overnight, and showers will continue into the weekend. Rain totals will exceed half an inch around Portland.

Snow levels will be above 4,000 feet through noon on Friday before rapidly dropping at night behind a cold front. Over the weekend, snow levels are expected to drop between 300-500 feet, which would likely bring sticking snow to valley hills and other areas at that elevation.

RELATED: What’s your elevation? How to check before snow arrives

One to four inches of snow is possible in scattered locations; however, the amount of precipitation that could fall remains in question, Hill said. Lower elevations, including downtown Portland, will see mainly rain showers with temperatures above 32 degrees.

All elevations could see freezing temperatures starting Sunday night, and a mix of snow and rain showers is forecasted for Portland. It’s possible that snow could stick on the ground during the overnight and morning hours, Hill said. Temperatures will rise near 40 degrees and could bring a mix of rain and snow.

“It does appear all moisture will be in the form of snow showers Tuesday-Thursday of next week,” Hill said. “Due to the nature of scattered precipitation at lowest elevations, it is unsure at this time as to if Portland and Salem will see snow accumulation, but the possibility is in the forecast.”

Meanwhile, the Cascades and the coast range are also impacted with a snow threat. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Mount Hood and the Cascades from Thursday night through Saturday afternoon. Up to 20 inches of snow will fall at Mount Hood resorts, Hill said, with up to eight inches at the pass level. 

Steady rain is expected in the Portland metro area starting late Thursday evening and lasting much of Friday. There’s the chance for snow on Saturday and Sunday. Monday may see a snow-and-rain mix at lower elevations, with snow showers possible on Tuesday and Wednesday.

One to four inches of snow is possible for valley hills at 300 feet elevation and higher. Areas with lower elevation, like downtown Portland, may see rain showers.

If snow sticks and accumulates, roads may be slick and drivers should use extra caution.

It’s our goal to make sure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information about the weather and its impact on you. The new KGW Weather Impact Alerts will be just that, alerts as far in advance as possible, so that you can be armed with accurate information to keep yourself and your family safe.

RELATED: KGW launches Weather Impact Alert Days