Portland, Oregon – Several inches of snow could impact lowland travel Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, confidence is increasing that accumulating snow may develop in parts of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington late Wednesday into early Thursday, February 18-19.
Forecasters say travel impacts are possible in the Willamette Valley and along the Interstate 5 corridor, but snowfall placement remains uncertain. A narrow band of heavier snow could develop, though confidence remains low on exactly where that band will set up.
The Weather Service outlined multiple potential storm tracks. One scenario would keep most snow south of the Portland metro area. Another track would favor accumulating snow in the Portland and Vancouver metro region, including areas near Interstate 5 and Interstate 205. A third possibility shifts heavier snow into the central and southern Willamette Valley, affecting cities such as Salem, Corvallis, and Eugene.
Because small shifts in the storm’s path could significantly change snowfall totals, residents are urged to monitor forecast updates over the next several days.
If accumulating snow develops, roads could become slick late Wednesday night into the Thursday morning commute. Bridges and elevated roadways would be especially vulnerable.
Students, early shift workers, and freight traffic along I-5 should prepare for potential delays if snowfall materializes.
