Weather
Oregon Thanksgiving Travel: Snow, Ice Concerns Nov. 18–24?
Portland, OR – Thanksgiving travelers across Oregon could face an increasingly active weather pattern as precipitation chances rise heading into November 18–24, bringing concerns about heavy rain, mou
By Erin Vale · 2026-11-11T08:43:20.091Z
Portland, OR – Thanksgiving travelers across Oregon could face an increasingly active weather pattern as precipitation chances rise heading into November 18–24, bringing concerns about heavy rain, mountain snow, freezing rain and potentially icy highways during the busy holiday travel period.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across portions of Oregon and the western United States from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
The widespread precipitation pattern stretches from the Pacific Coast through the Great Basin and central Plains. The outlook highlights increased opportunities for wet weather across the West, raising questions about developing Pacific storms and winter travel conditions.
Portland, Hillsboro and Northwestern Oregon Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Oregon City and surrounding communities could experience periods of unsettled weather as the wetter pattern develops.
Travelers along Interstate 5, Interstate 84 and Interstate 205 should monitor forecasts for heavier rainfall, reduced visibility and potentially slick highways.
Freezing rain could become a concern near the Columbia River Gorge if sufficiently cold air becomes trapped near the surface.
Salem, Eugene and the Willamette Valley Salem, Keizer, Albany, Corvallis, Eugene and Springfield could face periods of rain during the preholiday travel window.
Interstate 5 will be a major corridor to monitor as holiday traffic increases between Portland, Salem and Eugene.
Bend, Redmond and Central Oregon Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville and surrounding communities could experience changing weather conditions as precipitation moves inland.
Snow or mixed precipitation could develop if temperatures fall sufficiently, potentially affecting U.S. Highway 97 and mountain routes connecting central Oregon with the Willamette Valley.
Mount Hood, Santiam Pass and the Cascades Government Camp, Mount Hood, Santiam Pass and Willamette Pass warrant particular attention for possible accumulating snowfall.
High elevation routes, including U.S. Highway 26, U.S. Highway 20 and Oregon Route 58, could face winter driving hazards if Pacific storm systems bring sufficient moisture and colder temperatures.
Medford, Ashland and Southern Oregon Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass and surrounding communities could also experience unsettled weather.
Rain is a concern at lower elevations, while higher terrain near Siskiyou Summit along Interstate 5 could experience snow or icy conditions if colder air arrives.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Winter Storms Develop? The increased precipitation signal arrives ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, raising concerns about possible travel disruptions across Oregon.
Heavy rain, mountain snow and freezing precipitation are important hazards to monitor, particularly across the Cascades, Columbia River Gorge and higher elevation highways.
However, NOAA's November 18–24 outlook measures the probability of above normal precipitation, not the likelihood of a specific winter storm, ice storm or snowfall accumulation.
Oregon travelers should monitor updated forecasts for Pacific storm development, snow levels, mountain pass conditions and potential highway impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.