A large low pressure system is anchored in the Gulf of Alaska and will remain there for several days, continuing to spin weather systems our way on regular intervals. A good punch to the coast today with high winds and surf, and general rains everywhere both west and east of the mountains. The higher Cascades will get snow.
Those strong east winds in east county will subside somewhat today. On Wednesday they were still blowing 40 to 50 mph in the western Gorge area. Some sub-freezing air caused freezing rain, especially in the Hood River Valley, the first taste of winter so far at lower elevations. I was in that cold east wind in the Troutdale area Tuesday evening, and it was miserable. Temperatures around 40 degrees and gusts to 50 mph. It went right through me. Brrrr.
Another good storm will roll through Saturday-Sunday and lower snow levels down to the passes (maybe lower), and the mountains will get a good burst of snow.
Looking ahead to the first week of December, it appears that we could get another short round of the Pineapple Express midweek and then a cooling trend by the following weekend. I expect lots of weather action for the weather geeks out there!
