NWS: Freezing drizzle, snow-and-rain mix forecast for Vancouver area

The National Weather Service in Portland warned area residents that wintry conditions may hit Vancouver and other Clark County communities starting Friday.

A weak warm front settling over southwest Washington may produce winter weather conditions — freezing rain or drizzle — at low elevations this morning and could last through Saturday, according to an NWS special weather statement.

“We may see a little snow mix in as well this morning, but currently not enough to produce any significant impacts,” the statement says. “Greater impacts are expected in the South Washington and North Oregon Cascade foothills where 2 to 4 inches or so are possible through tonight into Saturday.”

Forecasters said the higher Cascade Mountains will also see some snow over the same timeframe, but nothing that warrants anything beyond the general precautions, like slowing down while traveling on the roads. 

Additionally, significant east winds will develop Friday night and Saturday in the Columbia River Gorge and across the areas west of the Gorge adjacent to the river, according to the weather service.

“This could cool the air mass enough to produce a chance of freezing rain or snow again tonight into Saturday in and downstream of the Gorge,” the weather service said. “Details about this are still uncertain and how much of an impact this change will bring before the precipitation decreases later Saturday.”

As of 7:30 a.m. Friday, the temperature was 35 degrees in Vancouver, with clouds but no rain. Drizzle is predicted to begin around noon.