Heavy Snow — Greater Vancouver Area, Washington

2017-01-10 to 2017-01-11 · Greater Vancouver Area, Washington

Event narrative

A high-impact snowstorm for the Portland Metro area, which caused hazardous travel, power outages and other challenges. Many cars were stuck on the road during the evening rush hour. Widespread downed or broken trees due to snow loading, leading to multiple power outages. Snow amounted to 6 to 14 inches across the Vancouver Metro.

Wider weather episode

A strong low pressure system moved up from the southwest. Surface temperatures as precipitation started were just above freezing, but with heavy showers, rain quickly turned over to snow during the early evening. Embedded thunderstorms enhanced snowfall rates around the Vancouver Metro for a crippling snowstorm Tuesday evening, with snow continuing to fall through Wednesday morning.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 677398. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.