'Ice Storm Warning' issued for western Oregon and SW Washington, including Portland area

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The National Weather Service in Portland has issued an “Ice Storm Warning” for the Portland area, Willamette Valley, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Coast Range, Southwest Washington Cascade foothills, and the Oregon Cascade foothills.

WEATHER | LATEST KATU FORECAST

Forecasters say an inch of snow is possible before transitioning to freezing rain. “Ice accumulations of two tenths to one half of an inch,” are possible NWS says.

This will be a big headache for everyone," said KATU Meteorologist Dave Salesky.

In the Willamette Valley, forecasters say significant icing is expected. The current forecast is calling for two tenths to four tenths of ice.

"Precipitation locally, and in the valley, may start out as snow, and quickly will change over to freezing rain," Salesky stated.

Tuesday morning will start out dry and very windy. A Wind Advisory is posted for the Portland metro area for winds sustained 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph.

The precipitation is scheduled to arrive just before the afternoon commute starts.