Storms sweeping across the western U.S. will bring heavy mountain snow, cold rain and wet snow at lower elevations and travel disruptions from the Northwest to the Southwest. Santa Ana winds will follow the storm.

Expect on-and-off rain around town with mild temperatures, but prepare for a serious stretch of winter weather in the Cascades. Heavy snow arrives in waves, piles up quickly, and keeps mountain travel hazardous through at least Thursday,

The National Weather Service in Seattle issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Cascades from Tuesday to Thursday.

A complex pattern of precipitation has arrived in the region and will provide the mountains with several inches of snow by Thursday morning. There is a Winter Storm Warning for the Cascades through Thursday mid-day,

Portland gets a slight lull in precipitation early Wednesday, but by mid-morning, rain rates will increase. The temperature at 5 a.m. at the Portland International Airport was 43 degrees and will likely stay there (with some minor variation) through the afternoon. Wind gusts of 20-25 mph are possible.

Mostly cloudy conditions Wednesday from the next cold front that brings continuous snowfall in the Cascades and the Blues from Wednesday midday through Thursday afternoon.

Colder temperatures are coming behind a system across the Northwest and will allow for feet of snow to accumulate across the Cascades, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Heavy snow Tuesday through Thursday could lead to treacherous travel conditions in the Cascades and some areas of Eastern Oregon. Officials advise people to delay travel if possible.

Today is a Local Alert Weather Day due to heavy mountain snow and winter weather in the high desert. The Alert Day is mostly for the Cascades as the majority of Central Oregon will experience pretty typical wintry weather but local travel will be impacted regardless.