Funviralpark Sleet and freezing rain late Thursday was just the beginning. Forecasters expect icy precipitation to continue through Friday night in the Portland/Vancouver area.
Traffic cameras in the metropolitan area showed dangerous travel conditions, with some roads closed due to ice, fallen trees and power lines. The Portland Department of Transportation reported that he had only two roads closed early Friday morning. Southwest 60th Street near Haines Street, Northeast Gillum Avenue in East Burnside. Interstate 84 is closed in both directions through the Columbia River Gorge.
The National Weather Service relayed reports of snow and sleet in the Salem area as of 5 a.m. Friday. The southern Willamette Valley experiences mostly freezing rain. Eugene area officials warned drivers to avoid the extremely slippery roads. Portland saw sleet all night, but freezing rain is possible later on Friday as temperatures began to rise.
Portland starts Friday with temperatures in the mid-10s to below 20s. The good news is that the winds from the canyon will abate by late morning, helping to soften the wind chill.
Ice precipitation is expected to turn to rain sometime Friday night or early Saturday morning in much of the metropolitan area. The exception is Multnomah and Clackamas counties to the east, where the cool air from the canyons may last a little longer. The canyon and Hood River Valley will continue to experience sub-zero rain Friday night through Saturday. Traveling can be difficult or impossible. The Oregon Department of Transportation closed Interstate 84 from Troutdale to Hood River overnight due to unsafe driving conditions and collisions.
A winter storm warning has been issued for Portland through 10 p.m. Friday. A winter storm warning is in effect for the Cascades during the same period. Icy precipitation continues to make travel dangerous. On smooth roads, high winds and ice can knock down more tree branches and other debris. Power outages will continue to be an issue through Friday.
By Saturday morning, much of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon will see rain. Highs are expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The wind will calm down. It’s going to rain, so bring a jacket and comfortable shoes.
The exceptions are the Canyon and Hood River Valley, where another round of freezing rain and more significant ice accumulation is predicted. Temperatures remain below freezing.
Christmas day is cloudy and calm. Rain is possible in the morning, but it can ease up a bit in the afternoon. The highest is close to 49 degrees.
Long-range forecasts indicate that more rain is likely over the next week. Temperatures will feel mild compared to what we’ve been through. From the late 40’s he could be considered a temperature in the late 50’s.
