PORTLAND, Ore. — Winter storm and high wind warnings are in effect for Southern Oregon as a major snowstorm is expected to hit Tuesday afternoon.
The snow level will lower to around 1,000 feet Tuesday afternoon as strong winds from the east pick up, some gusting as high as 70 mph, KGW meteorologist Rod Hill reports.
The I-5 corridor from north of Roseburg down to the California border could get up to 15 inches of snow, according to the Associated Press.
The National Weather Service is urging Oregonians planning to travel in the southern part of the state to stay home Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Please reconsider your travel plans for Tuesday," the NWS tweeted. "Wait until Wednesday afternoon to embark. Get there in one piece!"
Cascades
A winter weather advisory is up for Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge Tuesday night into Wednesday.
The Cascades will see snow all day, with the heaviest snowfall in the south. Mt. Hood is expected to pick up around a foot of new snow by Wednesday morning, Hill reports.
The NWS said people should avoid traveling across the Cascades until Wednesday.
"Strong winds up to 45 mph, along with 1 to 2 feet of snow, will make for dangerous driving conditions, with near zero visibility and blowing snow," the NWS tweeted.
Portland metro area
Rain showers are expected in Portland on Tuesday, though it's difficult to say how much rain will fall here, as much of the storm system is passing to the south.
Traces of moisture Wednesday night may produce a snow flurry in the valley. There's also a chance of a wintry mix on Saturday night and Sunday morning, according to Hill.
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