Portland’s string of cold but sunny days is finally coming to an end. Starting early Thursday morning, a “mess of wintry precipitation” is probable — first falling as snow, then transitioning to a less fun mix of sleet and freezing rain. Icy roads will likely affect afternoon commutes, and slippery conditions could last through the weekend.

Snow and freezing rain potential begins on Thursday as a low system barrels into the west coast. Showers look to arrive from south to north, up the valley, in the afternoon on Thursday. It is at this point that areas around the Portland & Vancouver metro areas could see light snow showers beginning.

I was hoping that we could avoid a significant snow/ice event this winter, but now it appears something significant weatherwise is looming for Thursday and Friday.

Another winter storm will bring a period of snow, rain and mixed precipitation to Connecticut this weekend, before bitter cold sets in early next week.