Snow predicted to hit area later today, continue through weekend

Snow is in the forecast for the next four days in Camas and Washougal, with possible accumulations of 6 to 12 inches. 

The National Weather Service predicts the area will see rain today before 1 p.m., with snow levels falling from 1,000 feet to 200 feet as temperatures drop to around 30 degrees by 4 p.m.

While less than 1 inch of snow is expected to fall this evening, forecasters say the area could see 1 to 3 inches overnight, and another 5 to 9 inches on Friday and Saturday. 

Forecasts show temperatures climbing into the high 30s, with rain returning by Sunday afternoon. 

Washougal calls a snow day with a song

The Camas and Washougal school districts closed schools on Thursday, Feb. 11, ahead of the predicted snow fall. Both districts have been accelerating in-person learning since November, and Camas now has 45 percent of its students attending in-person classes part of the week.

Washougal School District Superintendent Mary Templeton announced that district’s “snow day” with a funny song set to the tune of John Lennon’s “Imagine” on Thursday, Feb. 11. 

“Imagine all the people sleeping in today,” Templeton sings. “Imagine no assignments, synchronous or a-synch. No need to private chat today. No teacher screens to share. Imagine all the people … they’re sleeping in today.” 

“Please have a safe day,” Templeton adds at the end. “Students: do some homework and read a book.” 

To watch Templeton’s full performance, visit washougal.k12.wa.us/blog/2021/02/11/snow-day-2-11-2021.

Camas posts map of possible road closures; traction tires advised in Gorge

The city of Camas has posted its snow- and ice-removal map online, and said several local roads may be closed during inclement weather, including Northeast Dallas Street from Northeast Sixth Avenue to Northeast 14th Avenue; Division Street from Northeast Sixth Avenue to Northeast 11th Avenue; and Northwest Forest Home Road from Northwest 10th Avenue to Northwest Astor. For a full list of possible road closures, visit cityofcamas.us.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Will Finn reported today that traction tires are advised on Highway 14 between mileposts 31 and 45 in Skamania County.

National Weather Service’s four-day forecast

Thursday, Feb. 11: Rain before 1 p.m, then snow. Snow level 1,000 feet lowering to 200 feet. Temperature falling to around 30 by 4 p.m. East wind around 17 miles per hour (mph), with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tonight: Snow. Low around 26. East southeast wind between 16 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday, Feb. 12: Snow likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 30. East wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Friday night: Snow. Low around 23. East wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Saturday, Feb. 13: Snow, mainly before 4 p.m. High near 30. East-Southeast wind between 9 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Saturday night: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly after 4 a.m. Snow level at 500 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Sunday, Feb. 14: A chance of rain and snow before 10 a.m., then a chance of snow between 10 and 11 a.m., then a chance of rain after 11 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.

Sunday night: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 35.

For more information about the weather forecast, visit nws.noaa.gov.