Camas and Washougal school districts close

Snow began to fall early this morning in Camas-Washougal. Forecasters are predicting a dusting of up to 1 inch of snow in the Portland-Vancouver metro area.

Just after 9 a.m., the Washougal School District announced that all schools would be closing and buses transporting students home. Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School students were released at 9:45. Gause and Hathaway elementary schools will release 10:45, followed by Washougal High School at 11:45.

At 10 a.m., the Camas School District announced that its schools would also close early today. Students riding buses will be released at 11 a.m. for high school; 11:20 for middle schools; 12:30 for elementary. Parent who wish to pick up students can do so now.

The annual Stuff the Bus food drive, scheduled to occur today at Camas and Washougal high schools, has been rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 9, at both schools.

The Festival of Trees, a benefit for Washougal schools, is taking place as scheduled at Hathaway Elementary School tonight and tomorrow. Festival organizers are urging caution for anyone driving to attend the event. The breakfast with Santa on Saturday is also taking place.

According to the National Weather Service, east winds from The Columbia River Gorge combined with frigid temperatures will create the coldest conditions experienced across the area in several years. High temperatures will barely reach freezing, while lows are expected to dip down into the teens, with the possibility of dropping even lower.