Pacific Northwest Braces for Potent Storm: Rain, Wind, and Cascade Snow Wednesday

A potent spring storm is headed for the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday. It will bring rain, wind, and Cascade snow across the region.

Alerts and watches

Filmogaz.com has issued a Storm Tracker 2 Weather Alert for mountain snow and travel disruptions. The National Weather Service posted Winter Storm Warnings for the Central and Southern Oregon Cascades and their eastern slopes.

The North Oregon Cascades are under a Winter Weather Advisory. Both the warning and advisory begin at 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Snow totals and mountain impacts

Forecasters expect 10 to 18 inches of snow where warnings are in effect. Those totals could create hazardous travel conditions on mountain passes.

Mt. Hood is forecast to receive 5 to 10 inches of new snow. Winds there may gust near 40 mph, increasing blowing snow risks.

Winds, coastal conditions, and timing

Windy conditions will affect much of the area Wednesday morning and afternoon. Portland-area gusts could reach about 30 mph.

NWS Portland has a Gale Watch from Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon. The strongest wind gusts are likely between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Rainfall and lowland impacts

Rain along the Oregon Coast and the southern Willamette Valley could total roughly one inch by Thursday. The Portland metro may see a half to three quarters of an inch.

Warm surface temperatures meeting cold air aloft will cause instability. That setup increases the storm’s potential impacts in lower elevations.

Thunderstorms and additional hazards

Thunderstorms are possible Wednesday as the cold front moves through. Lightning and small hail cannot be ruled out completely.

Storm Tracker 2 Digital Meteorologist Bobby Corser said the system will help the Cascades’ snowpack. He added it is likely to clear the passes within about 48 hours.

What to expect

• Mountain snow: 10–18 inches in warned areas; 5–10 inches on Mt. Hood.
• Wind: gusts up to 35 mph in the mountains; up to 40 mph on Mt. Hood.
• Coastal and valley rain: around 1 inch; Portland 0.5–0.75 inch.
• Timing: warnings start 5 a.m. Wednesday; strongest winds mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

Travelers should plan for reduced visibility and slick roads in affected zones. Check the latest NWS updates and local advisories before heading out.