Saturday's big thaw and what it means for traveling

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Saturday's climb out of the freezer box will be a slow one. Daytime highs eventually reach the upper 30's to low 40's but not until early evening. Be aware light freezing rain is in the forecast for the greater Portland and Vancouver metro areas through Saturday afternoon.

Winter Weather Advisory for the Willamette Valley has been extended through Saturday. Areas south of Portland to Salem will be in effect until 12p Saturday. The greater Portland and Vancouver metro areas, and Columbia River to Longview will be in effect until 4pm Saturday.

Winter Storm Warning for the west Gorge lasts until Sat 10p, and for the east Gorge until Sunday 1am for freezing rain, wind and sleet/snow.

I'll cut to the chase right now: I-84 between Hood River and Troutdale will likely remain closed through Saturday, possibly Sunday too.

Getting from here to there.

Mountain passes are above freezing thanks to a warm layer above 1,500 feet. So if you have to drive east or west through the Cascades, use those mountain passes with caution. We had less snowfall in Oregon compared to Washington. Routes like Hwy 26 Government Camp might be a more reliable bet. Just remember, you won't be alone.

While the easterly wind transporting Arctic air has slowed down compared to Friday, we're still seeing an outflow to Troutdale, Portland and along the Columbia River into Longview.

Closer to the Gorge, freezing temps will linger Saturday. All other areas away from the Gorge will warm above freezing gradually. There is more rain in the forecast today. That means more winter weather where temps are at or below freezing.

Winter Storm Warning for the west Gorge lasts until Sat 10 p.m., and for the East Gorge until Sunday at 1 a.m. for freezing rain, wind and sleet/snow.

Portland woke up to a blanket of sleet, ice pellets and freezing rain Friday morning. Take a look at some of the wintry pictures we gathered since Thursday.