Eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 84 are now closed to all traffic between Exit 216 (6 miles east of Pendleton) and Baker City Exit 302.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the westbound freeway is also closed to trucks and through traffic in Ontario at Exit 374. Numerous other routes are also closed, including OR245, OR204, OR11, OR74, OR331, OR334, OR335, plus other highways.
Many city and county routes are also closed. ODOT is advising all motorist in the Umatilla County area to stay home, as most state routes in that area are closed due to high winds, white-out conditions and numerous snow drifts across roadways. Conditions are so extreme that snowplow drivers cannot see the road well enough to effectively plow snow. Plowing operations may be postponed on some closed state routes in Umatilla County. The closures could remained in place for several days on lower priority routes, as a new snow storm is expected today, along with more high wind conditions. ODOT crews are monitoring conditions and will resume winter maintenance operations and open closed routes when it is safe to do so.
ODOT strongly advises motorists to not drive through snow drifts. Those who do could become stuck and stranded with little chance of rescue until conditions improve significantly, which could take days.
For highway/weather conditions check TripCheck.com or call 511 or 800-977-6368.
