Portland, Oregon – Snow could begin falling across the Willamette Valley as early as 5 p.m. Wednesday, with several inches possible in a narrow band that may quickly cover Interstate 5 and Interstate 84 before the evening commute ends.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, there is now moderate confidence that accumulating snow will develop somewhere between Corvallis, Salem and the Portland-Vancouver metro between late Wednesday afternoon and midday Thursday. Forecasters indicate the most likely storm track favors snow spreading north from the central Willamette Valley into the metro area overnight.
If the band sets up as currently projected, communities from Corvallis to Salem to Portland could see multiple inches of accumulation in a relatively short window. Interstate 5 from Eugene through Salem into Portland, Highway 22 in the central valley and I-205 and SR-14 near Vancouver may become snow-covered with reduced visibility. Travel impacts could intensify between 7 p.m. Wednesday and the Thursday morning commute.
There remains uncertainty in the exact placement of the heaviest band. A shift of 20 to 40 miles could significantly change who sees accumulating snow versus rain. Areas closer to the Columbia River Gorge could also experience slick conditions if colder air holds in place.
Drivers should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions Wednesday night and monitor updated forecasts. Winter weather advisories or warnings may be issued as confidence increases in snowfall totals and placement.
