Winter Storm Warning Continues for Oregon Cascades
Additional watches and advisories issued across Southern Oregon and Northern California
MEDFORD, Ore. — A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for large portions of the Oregon Cascades through Thursday, with heavy snow and strong winds expected to create hazardous travel conditions across higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say 12 to 24 inches of snow is expected in parts of the southern Oregon Cascades, with up to 30 inches possible in Crater Lake National Park. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph across exposed terrain, further reducing visibility and creating difficult travel conditions.
The warning includes areas above 3,000 feet in the southern Oregon Cascades and eastern Douglas County foothills, including mountain passes along highways 140, 62, 138, 230, and 58. Officials say snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour are likely Wednesday afternoon, with a 60 to 80 percent chance of rates reaching 2 inches per hour during the main frontal passage.
Additional Winter Storm Warnings remain in place for the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades and portions of the central Cascades, where 9 to 18 inches of snow is expected with wind gusts up to 40 mph. Travel conditions are expected to be difficult to impossible at times, particularly across mountain passes.
Winter Weather Advisories have also been issued for portions of the Klamath Basin, northern and eastern Klamath County, western Lake County, and parts of Northern California including Modoc County, western Siskiyou County, and higher elevations of Trinity County. Snow accumulations in advisory areas are expected to range from 3 to 8 inches, with locally higher amounts and gusty winds reducing visibility.
Additional watches, warnings, and advisories have also been issued across the region, including areas of Southern Oregon, the Oregon coast, and Northern California. These alerts include a mix of Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Weather Advisories, High Wind Warnings, Wind Advisories, and marine-related warnings for coastal waters.
The National Weather Service advises travelers to delay travel if possible and to carry emergency supplies, including food, water, blankets, and tire chains. Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions through TripCheck or local transportation resources before traveling.
Cover image: ODOT, Flickr
For the latest Watches, Warnings, and Advisories visit https://www.weather.gov/mfr/
