The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for the week ahead but says it is unlikely the snow or strong winds appear until at least Tuesday.
The cold weather system will move through the western Columbia River Gorge and across the Vancouver-Portland metro area, characterized by powerful east winds, with gusts of up to 25 mph, and snow in high elevations.
Snow accumulation is possible on the valley floor Wednesday, and likely above 1,000 feet.
At this point, it’s unclear if it will be cold enough to turn the forecasted rain into snow. It’s “a borderline event,” according to the weather service.
Stay tuned.
Here’s the rest of the week’s forecast:
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. East wind between 8 and 11 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. East wind around 11 mph.
Wednesday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. East wind between 7 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 46. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 40.
Friday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.
Friday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Christmas Day: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.
Saturday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Sunday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44.
