Snow started falling throughout much of the Portland metro area and south into the Willamette Valley Tuesday afternoon, turning lawns and rooftops white, and streets to slush.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm advisory through 4 a.m. Wednesday.
In the Portland area, meteorologists are predicting up to two inches of accumulation, primarily at higher elevations and in the western part of the metro area, such as in Forest Grove and Banks. Temperatures are expected to rise over night, causing the snow level to go up, as well, from 500 feet to over 1,000 feet above sea level.
The National Weather Service also warned of snow in the central and southern Willamette Valley, and warned that snow could accumulate on mountain passes in the Coast Range. Meteorologists warned drivers to be careful of snow on bridges and overpasses as well.
Western Oregon University in Monmouth closed early at 3 p.m. Tuesday in response to weather conditions.
The snowfall has caused some power outages, including one affecting more than 2,800 Pacific Power customers in Portland, the utility said Tuesday afternoon, as well as other outages further to the south.
This is a developing story. Watch for updates.
Copyright 2021 Oregon Public Broadcasting