Portland, Ore. – Snow is quickly coating higher-elevation roads across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, and travel through the Cascade and Coast Range foothills could become hazardous at any time through 4 a.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the North and Central Oregon Coast Range, Clackamas, Marion, Linn and Lane County Cascade foothills, as well as the Willapa Hills and South Washington Cascade Foothills. An additional 2 to 7 inches of snow is expected through Wednesday night, followed by another 1 to 3 inches Thursday into Thursday night.
Communities including Welches, Rhododendron, Brightwood, Detroit, McKenzie Bridge, Oakridge and Yacolt will see periods of steady snow, especially above 1,000 feet. Routes such as U.S. 26 near Government Camp, Highway 22 near Detroit, and Highway 224 toward Estacada may turn snow-packed, with bridges and overpasses icing first.
Drivers should carry chains and a winter emergency kit with blankets, water and a flashlight. Check Oregon road conditions at TripCheck.com or call 511; Washington travelers can monitor WSDOT’s real-time map.
Snow showers will continue in waves through Thursday night, and additional advisories could be issued if heavier bands develop.
