Three storms will reach the Pacific Northwest within the next few days, with the first starting Saturday, bringing snow.

After 8 a.m., Saturday, KGW viewers started reporting snowfall in several areas including Forest Grove, McMinnville and even Hillsboro and Parkrose. But so far, none of it was sticking.

The snow was expected to be heavier in the Gorge where the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for Saturday afternoon through Saturday night. Cities affected include Hood River, Cascade Locks, Mutlnomah Falls, Stevenson and Skamania. A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. The NWS predicted three to five inches could fall Saturday but they said it would transition into rain Sunday morning.

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"The precipitation Saturday in Portland will start as snow then turn over to a snow rain mix. Depending on the timing we could see an inch or two on the valley floor," KGW Meteorologist Dave Salesky said. But it won't stay for long. By evening, warm temperatures will likely melt the snow and the snowfall will transition into only rainfall.

Second and third storms

The warmup will continue Sunday but although the threat of snow will diminish, major wind problems will pack the second punch.

"We'll see wind and rain. On the Oregon Coast, wind speeds late Sunday could approach triple digits. In the Willamette Valley, winds could reach 45 to 50 mph with higher gusts," Salesky said.

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Cities prepared for storms

City officials warned the public to be cautious and particularly on guard for fallen trees and tree limbs and power lines in streets and yards.

"The safest place to be during a wind storm is inside," said Mayor Tom Potter. "Even mild storms can cause downed trees and power lines, along with falling tree limbs and flying debris. We want to make sure citizens know how to keep themselves safe during the storm and what to do if they encounter an emergency situation."

The third storm -- also a wind storm -- was expected to bring even stronger wind Monday, according to KGW Chief Meteorologist Matt Zaffino.

A high wind watch was issued for the South Central Oregon Coast and Curry County Coast for Sunday through Monday night. Cities in the high wind watch include Coos Bay, North Bend, Reedsport, Coquille, Brookings, Harbor and Gold Beach. Winds were expected to reach 25 to 45 miles per hour and gusts of 50 to 70 miles an hour.

Snow levels are expected to climb in the mountains Sunday and some of the low-elevation snow pack will likely melt.

"Forecasters will have to keep a close eye on rivers and streams by Monday night & Tuesday," Salesky said.

People planning to attend the Civil War game over the weekend should dress for wet and fairly cold temperatures.

Temperatures will also jump up on Monday and we will go from the 30s Saturday to near 60 by Monday, Salesky said. "It's going to be a roller coaster weekend!"