The National Weather Service is reporting a storm system is moving into the region and will bring several inches of snow to the eastern mountains.
Impacted areas include the Ochoco-John Day Highlands above 4,500 feet (3 to 6 inches of new snow); the Northern Blue Mountains above 3,500 feet (5 to 10 inches of new snow); the Southern Blue Mountains above 3,500 feet (4 to 8 inches of new snow); and Wallowa County above 3,500 feet (3 to 5 inches of new snow). Snow will continue through late evening on Thursday.
ODOT crews are continuing their 24-hour coverage plowing and sanding Oregon highways as they responded to winter weather conditions. Travelers are advised to be prepared for winter challenges and review road and weather conditions before heading out.
ODOT recommends motorists consider delaying travel when conditions are severe. If you must drive in these conditions:
• Be ready to use your chains. Be patient. Go slow.
• Expect a long commute that could last hours. You never know when weather or traffic incidents will cause the road to be closed for extended periods.
• Keep fuel tank full (in case you get stuck in road closure).
• Carry emergency supplies (water, food, warm clothes, flashlight, etc.)
• Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
• Don’t abandon your vehicle, even in the shoulders. It could be towed at your expense.
• Keep a watch on weather conditions throughout the day in anticipation of the next snow storm which could make current road conditions worse.
Call 5-1-1 or visit www.TripCheck.com for the latest real-time traffic updates and camera views of Oregon’s highways.
