Winter Storm Warning Issued for Northwest Blue Mountains: Heavy Snow and 70 MPH Gusts Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Pendleton, OR, has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Northwest Blue Mountains. The warning is in effect from 5:00 AM PDT Thursday, March 12, through 5:00 PM PDT Friday, March 13.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Northwest Blue Mountains (WAZ030). The most significant impacts are expected at elevations above 4,000 feet.

Expected Conditions

• Snowfall: Heavy snow is expected with total accumulations between 10 and 20 inches.
• Wind: Very strong winds are forecast, with gusts reaching as high as 70 mph between 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM today.
• Visibility: Widespread blowing snow and heavy snowfall will create very low visibility and extremely dangerous driving conditions.
• Hazards: Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage and downed power lines.

Timeline

The Winter Storm Warning begins at 5:00 AM PDT Thursday and continues until 5:00 PM PDT Friday. The period of highest wind intensity is expected to occur between 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM on Thursday.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with a winter storm kit, including:

• Tire chains and booster cables
• Flashlight and shovel
• Blankets and extra clothing
• Water and a first aid kit

Do not touch downed power lines and report any outages to your electric company. Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.