UPDATE 6:30 AM, TUES FEB 12:
This big rain system that's rolling through the area was expected to produce some snow in the higher elevations of Portland, and while that's still a possibility, the National Weather Service predicts it'll only occur in the 1000 feet elevations (which means be careful if you're driving out to Multnomah Falls and Hood River today). So while snow may not currently be a problem for downtown Portland, our new weather arch-nemesis for Tuesday will be FLOODING. A possibility of 1-4 inches of rainfall could cause commute problems this morning and afternoon, so be on the lookout, and stay careful.
UPDATE 5 PM, MON FEB 11:
The National Weather Service has updated their prediction for tomorrow's early morning snow drop, and it's mostly sticking to their original guesses—except they've bumped up their prediction from 1-2 inches to 2-4 inches. However, most of the accumulation is expected to stay above the 500 foot elevation mark. Still a very good idea to check in with PBOT and the TriMet Alert on Twitter before leaving the house tomorrow. Stay tuned for more updates!
ORIGINAL POST:
OH BOY, did you guys ever get mad about the snowstorm that didn't happen over the weekend! (Actually it did happen for those outside of Portland, and we just got lucky.) On the upside, you got all your grocery shopping done early, and now you're all ready for a possible snow blast that might arrive early Tuesday morning! (That is if you believe in such things anymore.)
According to the National Weather Service—WHO ARE RIGHT MOST OF THE TIME—there's a pretty good possibility of some snow that could affect tomorrow's commute. Here's what they're predicting for the Portland Metro area tonight, Monday, Feb 11:
Tonight—Rain before 1am, then rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Low around 32. South wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Tuesday—Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 1pm. High near 37. South wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
NOTE! The majority of this snowy precipitation is expected in the hills above 500 feet in elevation—which means downtown commuting might turn out to be fine. SO MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS, PLEASE! The National Weather Service certainly is. From their Winter Storm Watch alert:
This scenario may result in widely varying accumulations ranging from no snow to several inches, even at the same elevation.
So be alert, don't rush the grocery stores, and wax the rails on your sled... you know, just in case! Stand by for more updates!
