Incoming Storm Bears Strong Likeness to Winter Weather System

An unseasonably strong weather system is moving over southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon beginning this afternoon.

Dark clouds over Salem. Photo by Bonnie King

(SALEM, Ore. ) - In stark contrast to the record-setting summer temperatures of last week, dark clouds are coming, if they haven't arrived in your neck of the woods.

According to the NOAA, the unusually strong weather front will produce relatively gusty winds along the Oregon Coast with gusts at their strongest late this evening.

Wind will likely gust in the 40 to 50 mph range near coastal headlands at the peak of the storm. Coastal communities will experience winds peaking around 30 mph.

Inland conditions will be much less breezy except for highest elevations of the Cascades. The system will also produce relatively heavy precipitation especially in the Coast Range foothills and Cascades.

Rainfall totals for tonight through Wednesday will range from 1 To 2 inches in the Coastal mountains and Cascades with lesser amounts in the valleys.

Freezing levels will remain high enough to rule out mountain snow except at the very highest peaks.

This storm will have a fairly rapid onset and produce back country conditions that will be challenging at best with cool temperatures windy conditions copious rain and even heavy snow at the very highest elevations.

Be sure to monitor the forecasts through Salem-News.com, for updates on this unusual summer weather system.