Forecasters are predicting a major weather system will arrive in the area Wednesday night, and stay through most of Thursday.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch on Tuesday, warning residents of Southwest Washington that the system is expected to bring wind, snow and freezing rain to the area.
“This is the strongest system of its type in quite a while,” the storm watch reads.
Snow is forecasted to start falling late Wednesday night and continue through Thursday morning. It will then turn to sleet and freezing rain in the afternoon. Two to 5 inches of snow could accumulate, in addition to one-quarter inch of ice.
“Strong east winds gusting to 45 mph along the Columbia River will lead to very cold wind chills and possibly some blowing snow,” the storm watch states. “Travel will be difficult as some brief snow accumulations change to sleet, and then freezing rain and roads become snow and ice covered and slick.”
At least two local events scheduled for Thursday has been canceled due to the weather forecast.
Downtown Camas Association Director Carrie Schulstad announced Wednesday morning that the Holiday Sip & Shop fundraiser will not be held this year. It will return in December 2017.
In Washougal, officials have canceled the Christmas tree lighting and lighted parade scheduled to be held at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St. It has been rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m.
