A winter weather advisory is now in effect for the Coast Range foothills, including higher-elevation communities west of Banks such as Timber, Glenwood and Buxton. The advisory runs through 4 a.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service expects 2 to 7 inches of snow in those areas through Wednesday night, with another 1 to 3 inches Thursday into Thursday night. Roads, bridges and overpasses in the advisory zone will likely become slick and hazardous, the NWS said.
Drivers on Highway 6 toward Tillamook and Highway 26 over the Coast Range should plan for winter conditions and carry chains. Snow had accumulated on Highway 6 at Lees Camp Tuesday morning, but had melted by the afternoon.
❄️ Winter Weather Advisory in effect
The NWS has issued a winter weather advisory for the North and Central Oregon Coast Range, including areas near Timber, Glenwood and Buxton. Click here to read the full advisory from the National Weather Service.
Valley snow also possible
Lower elevations, including Banks and Forest Grove, could also see accumulating snow. The NWS said Tuesday there is a 40 to 65 percent chance of several inches of snow somewhere in the Willamette Valley and Portland metro between 5 p.m. Wednesday and noon Thursday.
The exact location of the heaviest snow depends on the track of a surface low pressure system. The most likely scenario would bring accumulating snow from Corvallis through Salem to the Portland and Vancouver metro, which would include the Forest Grove and Banks area. Other possible tracks could shift the band north or south.
The NWS urged residents to stay tuned as the forecast becomes clearer.
Winter driving tips
The National Weather Service recommends keeping a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, batteries, blankets, a shovel, water, non-perishable food and tire chains.
For current road conditions in Oregon, call 511 or visit tripcheck.com.
