Wind, buckets of rain in Rogue Valley forecast - News - MailTribune.com - Medford, OR

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Wind, buckets of rain in Rogue Valley forecast 48354992 - rain drops falling from a black umbrella concept for bad weather, winter or protection Tuesday Oct 11, 2016 at 10:40 AM Oct 11, 2016 at 4:41 PM Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune @RyanPfeil Close to 3 inches of rain is forecast to fall over a four-day period in parts of the Rogue Valley, thanks to a series of strong fronts expected to move through the region starting Thursday. The National Weather Service reported that downpour amounts "that could match those typical for the entire month of October" may be en route. Nearly 2.7 inches is expected to fall Thursday to Sunday in Medford, and more than 3 inches could fall in Ashland during the same period. Grants Pass could get walloped with more than 4 inches of rain, and as much as 6 inches could drench Cave Junction, the forecast showed. Some snow is expected at elevations between 7,000 and 9,000 feet. No accumulation is expected on the Siskiyou Summit or other highway passes. "(Snow is) going to be confined to the very high elevations," National Weather Service meteorologist Brett Lutz said. The wet, windy weather is expected to start Thursday afternoon. Medford is forecast to see 20 mph sustained winds, with 30 mph gusts, while Ashland could see gusts of up to 50 mph. The Weather Service may issue a wind advisory, Lutz said. "It's going to hit pretty hard pretty fast," Lutz said. "We should see a pretty significant slug of precipitation come Thursday evening." Showers are expected Friday, with another precipitation surge Saturday that is forecast to stay in the area until late Sunday night. Weather officials say river flooding is not a concern, but that small stream and urban flooding is possible. Weather officials recommended clearing gutters and storm drains, and motorists should check their windshield wipers and change them if needed. "If you have outdoor plans this weekend, consider rescheduling," a Weather Service advisory said. — Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected]. Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil.