CHARLESTON – Those hoping for a white Christmas may yet see their wishes come true.

The National Weather Service issued a snow advisory for the South Coast at 11:03 a.m. on Christmas that said a quick-moving cold storm system will move across the Northwest tonight that could bring snow showers through Wednesday afternoon.

Granted, the areas that likely could see the most snow are those at 1,000 feet or higher, but still – some of the white stuff could reach valley floors, the advisory said, and it wouldn't be unexpected to find snow at around 500 feet. Coastal hills and mountains could see snow accumulations of up to an inch or more.

Areas north of Lane County on the coast, though, are under a heavy snow warning and could see a lot more snow. The Cascades, too, are under a heavy snow warning.

“A snow advisory means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties,” the NWS said. “Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving.”

Travelers going through mountain passes especially need to be prepared, as the eastern slopes of the Cascades, the Blue Mountains, north central Oregon, Central Oregon, and the Grande Ronde Valley could experience more snow, with up to 3 inches possible by sunset Christmas day. The possibility of accumulations between 14 and 24 inches also is possible by mid-day on Wednesday..

“Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous,” the warning stated. “Only travel in an emergency. If you must, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case f an emergency.”

Unsettled weather will continue throughout the week, both for the coast and the mountains.

“A second major storm system will move inland on Thursday, bringing possibly significant snow accumulations to the east slopes of the Cascades and the Blue Mountains,” the NWS said.

The snow could be followed by weather weather on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with drier weather on Monday.

On the South Coast, however, the storm pattern will revert to the kind that is typical for areas near the ocean: wind, rain and big waves on the ocean.

Another storm will hit Thursday, likely bringing increasing south winds with gusts possible to 60 mph and heavy rain. The Pacific jet stream will move more weather over the Northwest between Friday and Sunday and transfer strong winds and rain to the West Coast.

The NWS has issued small-craft advisories for the nearshore ocean waters for much of the week, as the storms will keep seas at between 14 and 18 feet for most of the week, with a forecast of ocean swells to more than 20 feet on Saturday.