Snow, Snow, and More Snow!
Multiple cold and wet weather systems are expected to impact our area beginning late tonight. The weather systems have the moisture and cold air to essentially turn on the “snow machine” over much of our region.
Above: Most of Oregon is currently under a winter storm watch or warning tonight
At the time of this post, nearly all of Oregon is under some sort of a winter weather advisory or warning. We reported earlier today on Pacific Power offering tips to prepare for the incoming snow storms.
Snow should begin overnight tonight and the heaviest snow for our area is expected Saturday morning into the afternoon. Here is the projected snowfall amounts for the Saturday storm.
Snow and Ice on major highways and roads:
Roads above 2000 feet beginning tonight.
– Roads above 1000 feet beginning Saturday morning.
– Down to 500 feet or lower by Sunday morning.
• Coastal areas may see periods of snow down to the beaches, but the heaviest accumulations will be above 500 feet.
• Heaviest widespread snow Saturday morning into Saturday evening, then showers Saturday night into Sunday morning.
• Any snow that melts on roads during the day will likely refreeze at night, resulting in icy roads.
Snow Showers are expected to continue after the Saturday storm and here is the current thinking on snow amounts for Sunday into Monday.
The farther into the future we go the NWS has less confidence on snowfall amounts. However, the current forecast amounts follow for Monday-Wednesday here.
If the current forecast models are correct, it is very possible we will see on and off snow from tonight into next weekend. Looking at the totals in the higher elevations, we should make up some ground this week on our snow pack for sure.
According to the NWS some areas of our region may see more snow in a four day period than has been seen (in a four day period) in the past 50 years.
At the very least here are a few things to be prepared for:
- Widespread snow throughout the region with snow covered roads and ice.
- A decrease in emergency crew response time as they will likely be very busy and have slower response times due to road conditions.
- POSSIBLE power outages in some areas
- Winds up to 30mph in some areas blowing and drifting snow and possible white out conditions.
- An extended period of accumulating snow.
As always, Klamath Alerts will continue to monitor the incoming storms and update as more information becomes available. Graphics are provided by NWS Medford.
