The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning for several areas in Oregon and Washington, including the upper Hood River Valley and the western and central Columbia River Gorge. The warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. on Saturday until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Affected cities include Parkdale, Odell, Corbett, Rooster Rock, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, Hood River (in Oregon), and North Bonneville, Stevenson, Carson, and Underwood (in Washington).

According to the warning, residents can expect up to an inch of snow and three-quarters of an inch of ice accumulation, along with wind gusts reaching as high as 45 mph west of Cascade Locks. The presence of existing ice from previous days increases the risk of downed trees and power lines.

Recreational managers are urging visitors to be cautious in the gorge, as parks and trails may have treacherous conditions. While the icy landscape and frozen waterfalls may be visually appealing, the slippery trails and the presence of falling trees and branches pose real dangers.

The weather forecast for Hood River on Saturday indicates a cloudy start and a 30% chance of freezing rain after 2 p.m., with temperatures reaching a high of 30 degrees. Saturday night is expected to bring a 100% chance of freezing rain, with a low of about 28 degrees. It is possible that new ice accumulation of up to 0.3 inch may occur.

Sunday's forecast predicts freezing rain in the morning, transitioning to rain after 1 p.m., with a high temperature of around 35 degrees. An additional 0.1-0.2 inch of ice accumulation is possible during this time.

Travel is strongly discouraged in these areas, and the National Weather Service advises keeping an emergency kit in vehicles that includes an extra flashlight, food, and water. For the latest road conditions in Oregon, visit tripcheck.com, and for Washington conditions, refer to wsdot.com/travel/real-time/map.

Furthermore, a winter weather advisory has been issued for parts of central Oregon and Washington, further east from the affected areas mentioned above.