Winter Storm Brings Heavy Snowfall and High Winds to Oregon

A winter storm has brought significant snowfall to the Mount Hood ski resorts in Oregon, with over two feet of snow expected to accumulate. A Winter Storm Advisory is currently in effect for the Cascades, with heavy snowfall estimated to accumulate more than eight inches on the roads, creating challenging winter driving conditions.

KGW’s meteorologist Rod Hill described the event as the «wildest stretch of weather in terms of consecutive days we’ve had,» noting that it’s the most substantial snowstorm at pass level in the Cascades seen so far this fall. Consequently, KGW has issued a weather impact alert effective until 10 p.m. on Monday for the Cascades.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has issued advisories for drivers traversing the Mount Hood pass, recommending the use of traction tires or chains due to snow-covered roads. «This is the first significant snow at pass level with 24-hour below-freezing temps this fall,» Hill stated, adding that «it looks like January on the hill!» The snow accumulation is expected to surpass 50 feet on the ground at Timberline by Monday night.

In addition to the heavy snowfall, high winds are also a concern. Heading into Tuesday afternoon, a high-wind advisory is in place with winds potentially reaching 60 mph along the Oregon Coast, central Oregon, and parts of the Columbia River Basin. This poses potential challenges for residents and travelers in these areas.

Storm Tracker 2 Meteorologist Rhonda Shelby warned travelers in the Cascades to be prepared for «extreme winter driving conditions at times.» The National Weather Service has forecasted additional snow accumulations of 10 to 15 inches above 2000 feet, warning that travel could be «very difficult to impossible» and posing a risk to the Monday morning and evening commutes.

Furthermore, a strong Pacific storm expected on Tuesday is anticipated to bring high winds to the northwest. Shelby noted that coastal wind gusts could reach 60-65 mph along the beaches, with offshore gusts potentially surpassing 80 mph. North Central Oregon and Central Oregon may experience southerly gusts approaching 60 mph on Tuesday afternoon or evening.

High-resolution weather models suggest the possibility of strong easterly wind gusts, subject to the final track of the low-pressure center. Residents in the Gorge area from Multnomah Falls to The Dalles might experience east wind gusts of 40-45 mph.