Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews in Eastern Oregon are preparing for winter weather moving across the area tonight, creating challenging driving conditions over the next few days.
Today’s National Weather Service announcement calls for moderate to heavy snow in the northern Blue Mountains tonight where significant snow accumulations will occur at elevations above 4,000 feet, mainly north of Meacham, including Tollgate and the Ski Bluewood Resort. Estimates call for between 4 and 7 inches of snow. Gusty winds are also expected.
ODOT officials are telling motorists to plan on snow-covered roads and poor visibility with possible blowing and drifting of snow. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.
Travelers are advised to check road and weather conditions at TripCheck.com before hitting the road. Links to winter driving safety tips are also available on TripCheck under the “Road and Weather” tab at the top of the website. Just open the “Winter Travel” and “Winter Driving Safety” drop down menus where you’ll find helpful messages. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Be ready to use your chains. Be patient. Go slow.
- Turn off cruise control. Never use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or slippery conditions.
- 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.
- Along with snow and slick conditions, expect visibility to be limited.
- Make sure your wipers, headlights, turn signals, heater, etc. are in good working order.
Keep fuel tank full (in case you get stuck in road closure). - Keep cell phone charged.
- Avoid following GPS navigation directions onto remote or unfamiliar roadways if detoured off of the main highway. Many non-highway routes are not maintained during winter conditions.
- Carry emergency supplies (water, food, warm clothes, flashlight, etc.)
- Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Use extra caution and keep safety in mind when installing tire chains along the side of the roadway. Other drivers may not be able to see you clearly.
- Drive according to conditions of the road, regardless of posted speed limits.
- Keep a watch on weather conditions throughout the day in anticipation of the next snow storm which could make current road conditions worse.
- At the end of your trip, wash off your vehicle to remove mud, snow, road salt and deicer residue.
- Know Before You Go: Call 5-1-1 or visit www.TripCheck.com for the latest real-time traffic updates and camera views of Oregon’s highways. Outside of Oregon, travelers can call 503-588-2941.
