Thursday brings snow to outlying areas; Portland’s warmer temps may keep snow at bay

Metro locations above about 500 feet could see some wet snow Thursday morning. Precipitation should chance to rain by the afternoon. Oregonian file photo.

Snow will be hit-and-miss early Thursday throughout the region as light accumulations were seen in the Longview/Kelso area, along Oregon 6 in the Tillamook Forest, and across the Coast Range at about 5 a.m.

The National Weather Service expects some snow across much of southwest Washington today, but the Portland/Vancouver area may miss out at lower elevations as morning temperatures were staying near 40 degrees.

Spotty snow accumulations are possible anywhere above 500 feet in elevation for the next few hours, especially during heavier showers. Snow levels that start the morning around 500 feet will rise to about 1,000 feet by lunchtime. After about 10 a.m., temperatures should warm enough that any sticking snow will melt away quickly.

Portland and other lower elevations will see rain showers through the day, and a high of about 40 degrees.

Outside the metro area, even the coast got in on some early snow action Thursday. Snow briefly covered U.S. 101 in the Seaside and Astoria areas overnight, according to the weather service. Highways over the Coast Range will likely be snow-covered through the morning and possibly into the afternoon.

Some regional school districts including Banks, Estacada, and Scappoose delayed their start times Thursday, and some put morning buses on snow routes. See the complete list here: oregonlive.com/weather/page/oregon_school_closures_delays

Precipitation should taper off overnight and into Friday morning. Portland could see a mostly dry morning, with only slight chances of rain mixed with snow before about 9 a.m. Skies will be cloudy, and rain will kick back in by the afternoon. The high temperature will be about 40 degrees.

Increasing chances of precipitation will mix with really cold overnight temperatures to bring another chance of sticking snow to the valley floor early Saturday. Forecast models aren’t certain about the amount of moisture moving into the region, or where it will land, but Saturday morning’s low snow levels could result in sticking snow in some areas. Snow levels will rise to about 500 feet later in the afternoon. Portland’s high temperature will be a chilly 38 degrees.

Extended forecasts are still up in the air about how cold it will be Sunday and how much moisture will still be in the region. Keep an eye on your forecast.

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