Winter storm warning issued ahead of Christmas holiday weekend

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning and wind chill advisory for the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, and lasting through at least 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23. 

Travel through the area could become difficult as a wintry mix of snow, sleet and  ice blanket the area. 

Winds will gust up to 55 miles per hour, NWS warned, and the wind chill could cause temperatures to plummet to as low as zero degrees. 

“Travel could be difficult (and) the hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute,” NWS stated in its winter storm warning.

Strong winds as well as ice could cause tree damage and power outages, NWS stated, adding that “cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.” 

The weather service predicts light snow will begin falling Thursday evening around 4 p.m. and “will transition to a mix of sleet and freezing rain Thursday evening into Thursday night.”

The area will likely see ice accumulation of 0.2 to 0.4 inches by Friday afternoon. 

The storm is expected to abate by Friday night, NWS stated, with temperatures most likely warming above freezing late Friday evening. 

People who must travel are advised to keep an extra flashlight, food, water and appropriate winter clothing — including a hat and gloves — in their vehicle. 

For the latest road condition reports, call 511 or visit wsdot.com/travel/real-time/map (for Washington roads) or tripcheck.com (for Oregon roads). 

C-TRAN lines impacted by adverse weather

C-TRAN has had several bus lines impacted by the winter weather.

As of Friday, Dec. 23, C-TRAN’s Current service was suspended in Camas-Washougal and throughout the region.

Route 92 is not serving Addy Loop in Washougal on Friday, Dec. 23.

The Vine is being served by 40-foot buses and passengers are advised to board at designated locations adjacent to each Vine station. The Turtle Place station is closed.

Several C-TRAN bus routes are on snow routes, including routes 2, 6, 9, 19, 30, 31, 32 and 47. Route 190 has been suspended on Friday, Dec. 23.

Current weather forecasts show temperatures rising above freezing beginning around 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23.