The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory and a Weather Statement,
A WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM PST SATURDAY FOR South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph, with the strongest winds over exposed hills. In Washington, I-5 Corridor in Cowlitz County and Greater Vancouver Area. In Oregon, Lower Columbia, Greater Portland Metro Area, Central Willamette Valley and South Willamette Valley. From 1 PM Friday to 4 AM PST Saturday. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Saturated soils along with gusty winds can increase the chances for larger trees to fall over. There will be two periods of higher winds, the first on Friday afternoon and the second on Friday evening into early Saturday morning. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. Weather Statement: A VERY WET AND INCREASINGLY COLD WEATHER PATTERN FOR THE NEXT WEEK, INCLUDING CHANCES FOR LOWLAND SNOW NEXT WEEK. A long series weather disturbances will move across the Pacific Northwest beginning Friday, and continues through much of next week. These weather systems will bring periods of heavy snow to the Cascades and the potential for moderate to heavy rain at lower elevations through Sunday. Two significant cold frontal passages are also expected, which will bring lowering snow levels from Saturday night into next week, with an increasing risk of snow reaching the valley floors next week. Much colder air is expected to spread into southwest Washington and northwest Oregon early next week, potentially cold enough to bring snow levels down to the valley floor. While specifics on accumulation amounts, areal distribution, and/or timing of snow remain uncertain, we continue to have confidence in some risk for low elevation snow next week. Now is a good time to make sure you are prepared in the event that all of the necessary ingredients come together for low elevation snows and associated travel impacts during the middle part of next week.
