PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Soaking rains take aim at the Pacific Northwest for the first weekend of the new year.
Rainy weather ramps up around the Portland, Vancouver area on Saturday as mild temperatures remain. A few light rain showers are expected across the region Saturday morning. The more widespread and intense rain isn't expected until the afternoon and evening hours. This comes as temperatures warm into the low 50s.
Rain accumulation throughout the weekend will be near a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch along the Willamette Valley. Coastal communities could see nearly an inch to an inch and a half by the end of the weekend.
Snow accumulation will be near a foot to a foot and a half above 5,500' this weekend. Mountain passes travel will likely be tricky through Sunday.
Temperatures are expected to remain well above average across western Oregon and southwest Washington. That's where highs will remain in the low 50s as skies begin to dry by the first full week of the new year.
