Winter Weather to Snarl Traffic in Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest will face the brunt of the nation’s severe weather this weekend. A series of storms are expected to impact the northwest with heavy rain and snow leading to widespread travel delays.

The first of many storms nearly paralyzed Portland for a period of time on Friday. Freezing rain fell in the city resulting in numerous weather related crashes, shutting down Interstate-5 for a period of time. Travel conditions will improve drastically by Saturday afternoon as temperatures climb toward 40 degrees.

Another storm is expected to affect the northwest Saturday night through Monday. This time, accumulating snow can be expected in Seattle and Portland, where a winter storm watch is in effect.

NASA image today of cold air pouring over Pacific from interior BC into developing low pressure that may bring snow early next week. #wawx pic.twitter.com/gG73BEl5nQ

— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) February 4, 2017

Rain, heavy at times, will affect the Interstate-5 corridor from Portland to Seattle Sunday before quickly changing over to snow.

Motorists should be prepared for significant travel delays Monday morning, as road closures are possible. A few inches of wet snow will be enough to spark localized power outages. Impacts will be elevation dependent. While a few inches of snow is expected along parts of I-5 in southern Washington, up to two feet can be expected in the Cascades.

Weather conditions will improve by Monday night before another significant storm affects the northwest midweek.