Winter Storm and High Wind Warnings Blow into NorthWest

(SALEM, Ore.) - A Winter Storm Warning for snow and blowing snow has been issued for the South Washington and North and Central Oregon Cascade Mountains.

The warning was announced at 8:42 p.m. Saturday, and remains in effect until 4:00 pm Sunday, as a new storm pushes in. The snow will be heaviest after midnight. Snow showers will continue through most of the day Sunday, heaviest in the morning.

Snow levels Saturday night will be around 3500 feet but will briefly rise to 4500 feet in the Oregon Cascades.

Snow levels will fall to 2500 feet early Sunday in both the North Oregon and South Washington Cascades. Storm total snowfall will range from 1 to 2 feet with the heaviest accumulations above 4500 feet.

West winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph on exposed ridges late tonight and early Sunday morning will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow.

A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. The national Wesather Service recommends that the public only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle, in case of emergency.

A High Wind Warning was issued at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, and remains in effect until 7:00 a.m. Sunday for the North Oregon Coast, bringing another round of high winds to the North and Central Oregon Coast, and portions of the interior of Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon.

Strong South winds 40 to 45 mph with gusts as high as 70 mph are expected to develop at coastal headlands and beaches tonight. Peak winds are expected to occur between 9 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. on the Oregon coast, and between midnight and 6:00 a.m. on the south Washington coast.

A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph with gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.

A Winter Weather Advisory was issed for the Cascade Mountains, and Klamath and western Lake Counties.

A fast-moving storm will impact the Cascade mountains and east side areas, with snow tonight through early Sunday morning. Snow will taper off to snow showers late Sunday morning.

The Advisory was issed at 2:10 p.m. Saturday, and is in effect until 7:00 a.m. Sunday.

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for snow and blowing snow. Snow accumulations are expected to be 4 to 12 inches over the Cascades above 4000 feet including higher portions of highways 140 and 66. 2 to 4 inches are expected along Interstate 5 near the Siskiyou Summit. Accumulations of 1 To 4 inches are expected in Klamath Falls, and 3 to 5 inches in Northern Lake County and near the ridgelines.

Snow Levels will be 4500 feet Saturday night dropping to around 3500 feet Sunday morning.

Parts of Highways 62 and 140 and 66 above 4000 feet will be impacted with snow and reduced visibility tonight through early Sunday morning. Southwest winds of 40 mph with higher gusts over the Cascades and 35 mph South winds over Lake County will accompany the snowfall tonight.

WINTER TRAVEL SAFETY KIT
Keep the following items in the trunk or back seat of your car this winter:

You can purchase a pre-made car weather safety kit or build your own. Even if you decide to purchase a kit, be sure you are familiar with the contents! Learn to use all of the supplies in the kit! When you are freezing cold, and possibly wet, you will NOT want to look at the directions on a bottle.
Blankets or sleeping bags such as a space blanket.
Flashlight with extra batteries. (There are even self-charging flashlights with cell phone chargers.)
First-aid kit.
A knife, and some high-calorie, non-perishable food.
A large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes plus a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water.
Sack of sand (or cat litter) for tire traction and a shovel.
Auto emergency tool kit: tow ropes, windshield scrapers, jumper (booster) cables, and a first-aid kit.
A compass and road maps.
You may also want to bring along a winter safety handbook.
Extra clothing to keep dry for all of the vehicle occupants.

Tips:

Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Try not to travel alone, especially in unfamiliar places.
Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
Fully check and winterize your vehicle well before the winter season begins. Be sure the tread on your tires is good enough to last throughout the entire season. Install chains on the tires if necessary.
REMEMBER: No kit can fully prepare you for a winter driving season and all of the contingencies that could arise as a result of a sudden change in weather patterns.

Because preparation is the key, make sure that you think about the individuals you will be protecting in your car or truck. Each may have their own needs. It is a better idea to pack extra of the supplies needed than to be stranded without the proper equipment.
Courtesy: weather.about.com