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.

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-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.

The Portland metro area could see snow flurries or up to three inches of snow Thursday morning. There could be more snow or freezing rain Friday morning.

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.