Winter Storm Warning issued February 12 at 2:06PM PST until February 13 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Portland

PROLONGED WINTER WEATHER EVENT TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY… .A series of Pacific storms will bring a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow to portions of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington through the weekend. The next storm will arrive tonight and bring a high potential for significant freezing rain accumulations in the Coast Range, Willapa Hills, the Central Willamette Valley and perhaps across the southern Portland metro.

There is also high potential of significant snowfall for inland areas from the Cowlitz River Valley to the Portland/Vancouver metro area, and areas to the east through the Columbia River Gorge and Hood River Valley. …WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST SATURDAY… * WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected.

This will fall mainly as snow for the north and east Portland/Vancouver metro areas. Freezing rain, sleet and some snow will persist to the west and south of downtown Portland. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches appear most likely across the far south and west Portland metro. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches appear most likely across the north and east metro.

Ice accumulations should generally remain a tenth of an inch or less except across the far south Portland metro where one quarter to one half inch of ice is possible. East winds will gust as high as 30 to 50 mph, mainly for the Portland West Hills, and areas to the east of I-205 towards the Columbia River Gorge.

* WHERE…In Washington, Greater Vancouver Area. In Oregon, Greater Portland Metro Area. * WHEN…Until 4 PM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS…Travel will be very challenging at times. Power outages due to gusty winds and/or ice are possible. Be prepared for snow and ice on roadways.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The southern and western portions of the Portland metro should creep above freezing Saturday afternoon at least briefly, but the big thaw should not occur until Sunday for these areas. The top of the West Hills and the area east of the Portland Airport towards the Columbia River Gorge should remain below freezing until Sunday.