Stormy Christmas weather expected across the PNW

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A KOIN 6 Weather Alert goes into effect Wednesday afternoon as wind, rain, and mountain snow ramps up.

Stormy Christmas weather will keep much of the Portland, Vancouver area under wet and windy weather through Thursday morning. A few light rain showers will start Christmas morning off. The heavier rain and wind doesn't get underway until the afternoon and evening hours. Wind gusts could near 35 mph from the south by Wednesday night.

Rain accumulation will likely exceed a half inch along the Willamette Valley by the end of the day Wednesday. Even more wet weather is expected along the coast with some areas nearing two inches.

The wet weather trend is expected to last through the end of the week and into next week. That's where some minor urban and river flooding is possible. Snow elevations will remain around 4,000' through the start of the weekend.

Other KOIN 6 Weather Alert threats Wednesday

It's not just the Willamette Valley that will feel the wind Wednesday. Gusts along the Oregon coast near 60 to 70 mph as southerly winds increase later in the day. These winds could bring power outages for some coastal communities.

Caution should also be taken when spending time along the coast. Gusty winds will likely push waves farther inland. Waves could break around 25-30 feet.

Heavy mountain snow along with breezy conditions will cause travel to be difficult. Snow may fall as low as 3,000 feet with the greatest accumulation happening above 4,500 feet. Snow accumulation will likely be measured in feet around Mt. Hood by the end of the week.

Temperatures will remain mild through the end of the week and into the weekend around the Portland area. A slight cooling trend will get underway by next week. That comes as the wet weather trend remains.