Talk about wild and crazy weather Monday in the Pacific Northwest. Many locations west of the Cascades had heavy rain switching back to snow, mixed rain and snow, ice pellets and high winds to round things out. Locally, Vancouver had a high of 46 degrees at 12:13 a.m., then dropped into the upper 30s later in the morning, then back in the low 40s and once again back in the upper 30s after dark. Depends which way the wind blows. East wind was cool, and the south wind was mild. Our peak wind Monday was from the south at 32 mph.
Other areas around the county had gusts around 40 mph depending on exposure. Heavy rain accompanied the cold front earlier in the day with 1.21 inches measured as of 4 p.m. Monday. When colder air arrived during the day snow fell to 500 feet or so, and I saw reports that around Amboy and Yacolt heavy snow was falling at times. Copious amounts of snow and drifting snow were reported in Stevenson, where traffic heading through the Gorge was nearly impossible.
What else can I say weather-wise, other than what a crazy ride the last 36-48 hours has been. Heavy ice pellet showers Monday blanketed the Long Beach Peninsula, turning the ground white even on roadways with an inch or 2 of the icy white stuff. Thunder was scattered as well.
I think the weather calms down a bit today, but light rain or showers continue with low snow levels. Thursday a warm front arrives and pushes the snow level up to or above the ski areas for a bit before crashing down again. Heavy rain locally on Thursday. Hopefully we enjoy a mostly dry and calm weekend.
