Portland OR Graupel: What Is the Frozen Precipitation Falling Thursday?
Winter Weather Brings Ice and Graupel to Portland
Portland, Oregon, experienced a burst of winter weather on Thursday afternoon, January 23, 2026, as reports of ice pellets and graupel began flooding into the KOIN 6 Weather Center. The unusual precipitation caused slick conditions and prompted warnings from local authorities.
Graupel, often described as “snow pellets,” forms when supercooled water droplets collect and freeze on falling snowflakes. Ice pellets, conversely, are translucent or clear pellets of ice that form when raindrops freeze as they fall through a layer of sub-freezing air. The National Weather Service provides detailed explanations of these winter precipitation types.
While the initial reports focused on the west hills,the icy mix quickly spread across the metropolitan area. The Portland Bureau of Transportation deployed crews to salt and de-ice roadways, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Drivers were urged to exercise extreme caution and to avoid unnecessary travel.
“Even a small amount of ice can create hazardous driving conditions,” stated a spokesperson for the Portland Police Bureau. “We encourage everyone to slow down, increase their following distance, and be prepared for potential delays.”
The Portland area has been experiencing relatively mild temperatures this winter,making this sudden shift to icy conditions particularly noteworthy. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that this weather pattern is due to a cold air mass moving in from the north, colliding with a Pacific storm system.
Residents are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates by monitoring local news channels,including KOIN 6 weather, and checking the National Weather Service website for current warnings and forecasts. Power outages were reported in some areas, and Pacific Power is working to restore service to affected customers.
The forecast calls for continued cold temperatures overnight, with the possibility of more winter precipitation. Officials are reminding residents to prepare for potential disruptions and to take necessary precautions to stay safe.