PORTLAND, Ore. — An atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to the Portland area on Friday and Saturday. KGW has issued a Weather Impact Alert for those days.

Winds may be the strongest on Saturday with gusts that could reach 40-50 mph, KGW Meteorologist Matt Zaffino said. Gusts on Friday are expected to reach 30-40 mph in the Willamette Valley.

Around two inches of rain is expected to fall between Friday and Sunday. River flooding is not expected, but more low-lying areas and intersections may flood at times, Zaffino said.

With the rain, snow levels are expected to plummet as low as 3,000 feet Saturday night, and heavy snow will fall in the Cascades from then and into Monday. Mount Hood ski areas are anticipated to receive 18 inches or more of snow, with hig

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