Winter storm watch issued for South Willamette Valley; ice, snow predicted Wednesday night
3 min read
from the National Weather Service
UPDATE (Wednesday, noon): With mixed snow and ice accumulations as well as the timing of the event impacting the Thursday morning commute, a winter storm watch has been issued for the southern Willamette Valley.
Two cold weather advisories had previously been issued for the southern Willamette Valley. The first was in effect from 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11 to noon Wednesday, and the second from 7 p.m. Wednesday to noon Thursday. The wind chill factor produced temperatures that felt like 10 to 20 degrees F.
Dry and cold conditions are forecast to persist through Wednesday, with precipitation starting the middle of Wednesday night.
Hazardous conditions begin Wednesday night as a low begins approaching the central Oregon coast, bringing significantly impactful winter precipitation. With cold surface air due to easterly winds through the Gorge, as well as a warm front overriding over top, the setup is right for freezing rain and sleet potential, as well as snow. Precipitation begins around the middle of Wednesday night.
The early bout of snow Wednesday night should be rather brief, but accumulations will be possible in the lowlands, with around a 10-20% chance of one inch or greater of snow accumulation in the Willamette Valley, and closer to two inches expected in the Coast Range.
Expect the Thursday morning morning commute to be impacted by winter weather. Sleet may mix in as well during daytime hours, but primary threat will be snow and freezing rain throughout this event.
Heading into Thursday night, mixed rain and freezing rain continue for all areas west of the Cascades, with precipitation gradually turning completely to rain Friday morning.
Compared to January 2024, the February 2025 event is relatively warmer, east winds are not as strong, and the overall total precipitation is lower.
As Thursday trudges towards the afternoon, temperatures are expected to warm towards 40 degrees and this warming will signal a shift in precipitation type towards rain.
Friday morning expect rain as the primary precipitation type.
The forecast for Eugene as of Tuesday night: Clear, with a low around 18. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 43. Light north northwest wind.
Wednesday night (UPDATED, Wednesday noon): A slight chance of rain and snow before 2 a.m., then rain, possibly mixed with snow and freezing rain. Snow level 1400 feet lowering to 700 feet after midnight. Low around 28. North wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Thursday (UPDATED): Rain, possibly mixed with snow, becoming all rain after 10am. High near 42. North wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Thursday night (UPDATED): Rain. Low around 34. Light north northwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
During the cold weather advisories, with temperatures predicted in the 20s Tuesday and Wednesday, frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed. Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
Those planning to venture outdoors should use common sense and dress warmly, making sure exposed skin is properly covered to prevent frostbite and/or hypothermia.
Avoid being outdoors in wet conditions which can increase the risk of the body cooling down and becoming hypothermic.
Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
