Portland, Oregon - As the Portland metro area continues to experience below freezing temperatures, Monday morning's forecast predicts even colder temperatures in the teens. The sub-freezing temperatures are expected to persist throughout the first half of the week, creating concerns for fallen trees and power outages. Additionally, strong east winds are anticipated to pick back up on Monday, further exacerbating these issues.

The strong east winds are set to ramp up, starting Monday morning, affecting Portland and the Columbia River Gorge. Meteorologists have predicted gusts of 35 to 50mph in the metro area, while the Gorge could experience gusts ranging from 60-75mph.

To add to the challenging weather conditions, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Portland metro area, as well as Cowlitz County and Clark County in Southwest Washington. The watch will be in effect from Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. through Wednesday at 4:00 a.m.

Tuesday's forecast calls for snow initially, followed by likely freezing rain in the afternoon. Residents of the metro area should be prepared for potential ice accumulation of up to three-tenths of an inch, which can further contribute to hazardous road conditions and power disruptions.

To stay informed about the latest weather updates, residents are advised to stay tuned to the KOIN 6 Weather Team. They will provide up-to-date information regarding the evolving weather situation, enabling locals to take necessary precautions and stay safe amidst these challenging conditions.