Winter Weather Advisory Alert for Snow in Willamette Valley

Target Areas: Cascade Foothills in Lane County, Central Coast Range of Western Oregon, Central Willamette Valley, Northern Oregon Cascade Foothills, South Willamette Valley

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for valley areas for a mix of snow and sleet and freezing rain, in effect from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

After several days of cold, offshore flow, a weak low pressure system will approach the region from the south Saturday night and Sunday.

This system will spread light to briefly moderate precipitation across western Oregon Sunday morning, likely before temperatures have a chance to recover from a chilly night in the 20's.

While snow and ice accumulations are not expected to be heavy, several days of cold weather will likely cause roads to be very receptive to snow and ice accumulation Sunday.

This may cause some travel issues during a busy day Sunday, as people return home from the holidays.

The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday for the central and south Willamette Valley as well as the adjacent valleys of the Coast Range and Cascade Foothills.

Light snow or sleet will spread north into the Eugene area early Sunday morning, continuing northward as the morning progresses.

Snow or sleet will eventually change to freezing rain as the day progresses. Temperatures will rise slightly above freezing in some areas as precipitation tapers off Sunday afternoon.

SNOW ACCUMULATION: Local snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible. The best chance for snow accumulation to occur will be near the east slopes of the Coast Range, such as near McMinnville, Dallas, and Corvallis.

ICE ACCUMULATION: Generally around one tenth of an inch (1/10).

IMPACTS: Roads will become slick due to snow or ice accumulation Sunday. This includes primary roads such as Interstate 5, as well as Highways 20 and 22, and Oregon Highways 18, 99W, 34, and 126.

INSTRUCTIONS: A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

Source: National Weather Service (NWS)