Southwest Washington may not wake to a white Christmas, but a white after-Christmas could be possible.
The National Weather Service in Portland says there a 60 to 80 percent chance of snow dusting the Willamette Valley and lowland areas in Washington and Oregon over the Christmas weekend. Higher elevations could see accumulations of 4 inches or more during the 48-hour period.
Another atmospheric trough will build along the West Coast this week and move into our area late Wednesday, bringing with it yet more rain and possible flooding along rivers and low-lying spots. Expect periods of rain throughout the work week with high temperatures in the mid- to upper 40s and lows in the upper 30s.
Some areas of Clark, Multnomah and Clackamas counties got a glimpse of winter weather as snow fell in higher elevations Saturday night and into Sunday. Camp Bonneville had 4 inches of snow by Sunday morning and Camas recorded 2.8 inches.
The Cascades were treated to some of the heaviest snowfall in the state with some areas reporting accumulations of more than a foot. Lucerne, along Lake Chelan, reported 18 inches of snow. Parts of Mount Hood received 1 to 2 feet of snow, especially above elevations of 3,500 feet.
With more rain and possibly snow in the forecast, travelers during this busiest season of the year could experience delays. Severe storms across the Southwest and Southeastern United States will likely delay flights across the country.
For those heading back home after the holiday weekend, temperatures in Clark County are forecast to dip into the mid-to-low 20s overnight Monday through Thursday. Sleet and freezing rain are expected Monday morning, making for dangerous driving conditions.
Severe weather shelters
Clark County agencies are preparing for the upcoming freezing temperatures and making sure severe weather shelters will be open and ready. The Council for the Homeless has received funds from the county to provide additional supplies and cover unexpected costs to shelter providers during severe weather events.
Anyone seeking a severe weather shelter should call the Housing Hotline at 360-695-9677. Outreach teams are available to connect people to a shelter.
A severe weather event will be called when three different weather sources, including the National Weather Service, forecast temperatures of 32 degrees or colder, or when snow accumulations or ice are expected.
In the event of severe weather, the Council for the Homeless will contact shelter providers to open or expand temporary shelter capacity and notify 211 and Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency.
Severe weather shelter providers include Winter Hospital Overflow shelters at St. Andrew Lutheran Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Share House, Living Hope Church, and St. Matthew Second Presbyterian Church.
Outsiders Inn may also provide day shelter during the most severe weather events, up to eight hours per day, for up to 10 days.
While it is typically the responsibility of the unsheltered to get to a severe weather shelter, providers and outreach teams may have bus passes to distribute.
Expanded shelter
In addition to severe weather shelters, expanded nightly shelter of between 10 and 25 beds is being provided from mid-November to mid-March. Clark County provides funding for expanded shelters through a community planning contract with Council for the Homeless. Access to expanded shelters is via the housing hotline at 360-695-9677.
Expanded shelters are located at River City Church on Saturday, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and Immanuel Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
