The National Weather Service in Portland has upgraded an area winter weather advisory to a winter storm warning, increasing the predicted upper end of snow accumulation from 4 inches to 6 inches by late Saturday afternoon.
Additionally, Gov. Jay Inslee has declared a statewide state of emergency due to the storm.
“Everyone in our state needs to focus on preparing for the snow and staying safe,” Inslee said in a prepared statement. “Weather forecasters predict this may be a storm unlike one we’ve seen in many years. I encourage everyone to stay off the roads if possible and plan ahead if you must travel.”
The emergency proclamation directs state agencies and departments to use state resources and assist affected counties, cities and towns in an effort to respond to and recover from the winter storm.
The snow should start to build up, especially in northern Clark County, starting Friday around 7 p.m., according to the warning.
A weather advisory was issued earlier Friday morning. It was the latest in a series of forecasts over several days that have left many wondering just how hard the area will be hit by a predicted winter storm.
Forecasters said they expected 2 to 4 inches of snow for Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield and other county communities. That’s still the prediction for widespread snowfall.
But now, “localized accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are possible, especially in the hills above 1000 feet in elevation, near the Columbia River Gorge, as well as northern portions of Clark County,” forecasters said.
The storm warning remains in effect until 4 p.m. Saturday.
Precipitation will start as a brief period of rain, or a mixture of rain and snow, before the area starts to see snow and nothing but snow for about a day.
“Overall, the forecast thinking has not changed a whole lot over the past 24 hours, and models are providing higher confidence in a widespread low elevation snow event … not only inland, but for the coast as well,” says an NWS area forecast discussion.
Diminishing road conditions are a given as the temperatures drop below freezing. “There is a small chance freezing may occur before this evening’s commute is over,” forecasters warned.
Drivers should prepare for prolonged commutes. A thin blanket of snow across the county earlier this week was enough to slow vehicles, close schools and cause dozens of crashes.
The Washington State Department of Transportation prioritizes the highest-traveled routes when it treats roads and when crews plow once the roads become treacherous. The department has warned that there is only so much it can do before and during major weather events.
Emergency alerts are starting to come in about various goings-on getting canceled. Among the cancellations is the Miss Clark County pageant, set for Saturday.
The Evergreen School District has called off all Friday, Saturday and Sunday activities and events.
“This includes all school-related sports and performances as well as outside group use of school facilities,” the school district said.
The Vancouver School District plans on holding its Friday activities but opted to cancel all weekend activities, athletic events and community use of schools for Saturday and Sunday. Battle Ground School district announced a similar plan but said church services held in the schools will be held as planned — for now.
Alaska Airlines and Delta have canceled nearly all flights from Seattle to Portland after 3 p.m., according to Portland International Airport’s website.
Despite the advisory only lasting through late Saturday afternoon, the snow many not ease up for nearly a week. Vancouver’s seven-day forecast says snow is likely through Tuesday. There is a chance of snow through Wednesday night, which is followed by a chance of rain and snow on Thursday.
An elongated area of low atmospheric pressure will continue to move through the region from Sunday to Thursday. This will create numerous chances for additional significant snow, according to the long-term section of the forecast discussion.
“Sunday night and Monday could very well be a significant snow storm for some of us … and perhaps most of us,” the discussion says, though it notes that several days “really is too far out for any kind of accurate forecast.”
