Winter Storm Warning Issued for Oregon Mountain Roads, Flooding Threatens Later in Week

A significant winter storm is impacting Oregon, with a winter storm warning issued for the Cascade mountain passes from 10 a.m. Sunday to 10 p.m. Monday. The heaviest snow is expected at the highest passes, including Santiam Pass, Willamette Pass, and Government Camp near Mount Hood, where up to 30 inches of snow could accumulate at the highest elevations. Wind gusts could reach up to 45 mph, potentially causing hazardous travel conditions with reduced visibility due to blowing snow.

At elevations above 5,500 feet, areas such as Timberline Lodge could see 3 to 4 feet of snow. Snow will also impact the Cascade Foothills and Coast Range, where up to 11 inches of snow is forecast above 2,500 feet. Roadways in these areas are expected to be challenging for travel, especially late Sunday night into Monday.

Additionally, a flooding risk is anticipated for later in the week, as heavy rain from Tuesday night through Friday could lead to 5 to 8 inches of rain along the coast, Coast Range, and Cascades, and 2.5 to 4 inches in inland valley areas like Portland, Salem, and Eugene. This heavy rain, combined with rising river levels, could lead to flooding, particularly in small streams and fast-responding rivers starting Wednesday night or Thursday.

Travelers in affected areas should prepare for snowy conditions, blowing snow, and potential flooding risks.

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