Weather forecasters say a storm hitting western Oregon Friday will not be as severe as previously expected.
Rebecca Muessle is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Portland. She said the latest models show more of a typical fall storm. Lots of rain for the valleys and coast, and snow in the mountains. Muessle said to expect wind gusts of 30 to 35 miles per hour.
“There definitely is a chance that we could see tree branches falling.” Muessle said. “Any loose or damaged trees may have some struggles there. So definitely be prepared for some breezier conditions and wet. But not necessarily as windy as we had previously thought.”
Muessle said they don’t think the storm will have a significant impact on areas burned in the September fires. The heaviest rain is expected late Friday, with more than a foot of snow possible in the Cascades.
“So, areas like the Santiam and Willamette Pass could see significant amount of snow, about a foot to maybe a foot and a half, maybe even two feet in some locations.” Muessle said, “And those areas are going to be quite breezy as well.”
Muessle said travelers should be prepared for low visibility in some areas if heading over the mountains.
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