Heavy Snow Hits Portland, Oregon, Metro Area Hard

Tigard, Oregon -- Many parts of western Oregon are being affected by heavy snow fall. The first of the season for many in lower valley areas. Snow has caused chaos on the roads, and police are warning motorists in some areas, not to drive on roads without chains on tires. Sections of roads have now been closed to traffic, and some of the mountain roads are just not worth traveling up, for drivers own safety. See video here.

If you are traveling north into Portland via Highway 99 and I-5 you may well be in for a few delays later this afternoon. You might want to wrap up warm out there, as temperatures have dropped to around -4c (25f) in many places. And snow is around 6 inches deep in some places, even down to lower valley regions. Then this evening there are going to be lows of around -8c (18f) If you have perishable plants out in your garden, then you may well need to cover them or bring them inside.

Snow is particularly heavy around King City/Tigard on Bull Mountain, with roads having a good covering of snow. Your shopping trip this evening may also be affected, but many store owners are making attempts to clear snow from pavements and shop doorways.

Snow is also drifting in the light winds, making travel even more hazardous. Though it is great fun for the kids in the region, who have been out building snowmen and sledging, the cold snowy weather can be harsh on our older citizens. So it is time to stoke the fire, grab a hot drink and stay indoors wrapped up warm. Should you be going outside, please remember it's cold out there, even take a thermos out with a warm drink. Take a mobile phone out with you in case you get into difficulties, or inform a neighbor that you are going out.

In other snow related events, up to 60 vehicles have been reported to have been involved in pile ups, on icy highways. Causing delays, with police furthering there calls for people to be extra careful out in there vehicles. Also asking for people to keep there speed down, and keep a safe distance between cars. Sirens where heard for around two hours last night in Tigard, as police and other emergency services where called to various traffic accidents. One in particular on Highway 217 in the early hours of this morning.

Also in a short period of time today, up to two feet of snow has dropped on the small Blue Mountain town of Meacham, according to Oregon Live. Cutting off roads and access ways, but was great news for children and snow enthusiasts, who where out braving the cold in the name of fun.

In the Willamette Valley people have been caught by surprise, with the intensity of the winter storm. Which is being called a rare event to the area. Again with many road closures and hazardous driving conditions. With accidents and delays being reported around the Cascades, according to Examiner.com.

All around the Portland area schools, churches and businesses have been canceling there events, so be sure if you live in these areas and have anything planned, be sure to call and find out.

Snow is expect to taper off overnight, but will be met by below freezing daytime temperatures again on Monday with even colder temperatures at night. Snow is expected to continue in some areas on Monday and return to most areas of Portland between Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th. It is likeley to remain bitterly cold for the rest of the week.

If you wish to view the weather in your area, or see any severe alerts in effect, I will leave you with the radar at weather.com.

Sources: Myself as local resident reporter. Oregon Live, Examiner, weather.com, katu news,