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.

Snow and freezing rain potential begins on Thursday as a low system barrels into the west coast. Showers look to arrive from south to north, up the valley, in the afternoon on Thursday. It is at this point that areas around the Portland & Vancouver metro areas could see light snow showers beginning.

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.

KOIN 6 Meteorologist Josh Cozart times out the wild weather expected around the greater Portland, Vancouver metro area Thursday and Friday.