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Tuesday Morning Storm Update from the National Weather Service in Medford

6:18 PM · Nov 26, 2019

Area Forecast Discussion OR 9:15 AM PST SHORT TERM...The rapidly deepening low is approaching the Southern Oregon Coast this morning. This low is currently centered 115 miles west off Reedsport, OR. The low is estimated to be around 985 mb. Models continue to show good agreement the low will strength to 972 mb this afternoon as it nears the Curry coast of Southern Oregon. This is lower than the 975 mb low of the historic Nov 9-10 storm in 1975. This is a unprecedented storm given the track and strength and will being very dangerous conditions to the area. High winds and heavy snow is expected to impact the area. As the low approaches the coast and moves onshore it will result in strong winds at the coast, especially from Cape Blanco south, where gusts of 70 to 80 mph and locally up 100 mph over the headlands are expected. Inland, strong south winds will develop into southwest Oregon and northern California. Strongest winds are expected in the Shasta Valley, southern Rogue Valley and over the mountains with gusts of 50 to 80 mph expected. Other western valleys will also see moderate to strong winds. Please see the NPWMFR for details on these winds. Snow has developed in western valleys and passes this morning, including in the Illinois Valley and across the passes north of Grants Pass along I-5. Models indicate the lower levels will warm slightly late this morning, so expect light snow to change over to rain in western valleys. Heavy snow will impact the higher terrain, most all mountain passes (including Sexton Summit, Siskiyou Summit, passes in the Cascades and areas near Mount Shasta) and areas across northern California and east of the Cascades. Peak snowfall is expected in the afternoon and evening for these areas. Then tonight, snow levels are expected to lower to western valley floors. Tonight into Wednesday morning, wrap around showers will bring light to moderate snow impacts to much of the area including western valleys. Please see the discussion below regarding snowfall and the WSWMFR for details. Lastly, the coastal waters will see extremely dangerous wind and sea conditions. Please see the Marine Discussion below. High surf warning are in place along the coast as well (see the CFWMFR for details). We will be monitoring this storm throughout the day and providing updates as needed. Dangerous travel conditions are expected across the area as this storm approaches and moves inland. Weather conditions will deteriorate rapidly today into tonight. Be prepared and have a way to receive NOAA NWS weather updates.