Portland-area agencies are fueling their snowplows, pre-treating roads and preparing to work around the clock in anticipation of forecasted freezing temperatures and precipitation that may wallop the region starting Thursday morning.

A weather system spreads moisture northward through western Oregon early Thursday. Timing has sped up a bit which means snow or a snow/freezing rain mix is likely soon after or at daybreak. Roads will likely be icy/snowy for much of the day Thursday and into Friday morning.

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.

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.