Overnight rain expected in Portland as first of several weather systems arrives

Portland should prepare for a rainy and windy transition into winter, with the first of several weather systems arriving Thursday.

A warm front will bring widespread rain to the region beginning around midnight, with precipitation spreading quickly inland through early Thursday morning. The Willamette Valley may see lighter rainfall due to rain shadowing, with expected accumulations around 0.4 to 0.6 inches. Wind gusts could reach 30 mph in inland valleys.

Patchy fog and frost also are possible for interior valleys late Wednesday through early Thursday.

Friday will bring another round of heavier precipitation, with stronger westerly winds potentially producing gusts up to 40 mph. The Coast Range and Cascades could see rainfall amounts between 0.9 and 3 inches. Residents should be prepar