STORM WATCH: Strong Winter Storm Expected to Bring Strong Winds, Rain, And Possibly Snow to The Valley

The freezing level could hit the valley floor early Monday morning.

Snow Advisory in effect late SUNDAY for elevations below 1000 feet, including Marion, Linn and Clackamas counties.

(SALEM) - The National Weather Service says a significant winter storm is expected to impact northwest Oregon for the end of the holiday weekend travel period. The storm is expected to approach the coast late Saturday night then move through northwest Oregon during the day Sunday. This storm could bring strong wind gusts to over 60 mph to parts of the coast on Sunday especially to areas south of the Columbia River. The storm may also cause increasing east winds through the Columbia Gorge late Saturday night and Sunday with rain possibly changing to snow in parts of the Columbia Gorge by Sunday. Recent computer model forecasts indicate the most likely track of the low pressure center will be close to Portland. If this track turns out to be correct then inland areas north of this path could see snow levels lower considerably on Sunday possibly below 1000 or even 500 feet. In addition, this storm will likely bring more snow to the Cascades on Sunday and cause travel problems across the Cascades. It also appears increasingly likely that modified arctic air behind this strong system will spread into northwest Oregon on Sunday night and Monday. This could bring snow levels close to the valley floors by Monday though precipitation looks to be more showery and accumulations will be somewhat limited. A Snow Advisory is in effect for Marion, Linn and Clackamas counties. For the latest Oregon road conditions call 511.