ODOT: Heavy snow predicted for Oregon highways

(Update: NWS issues winter storm warning for C. Oregon, 9-14 inches of snow possible; other warnings)

Weather forecasters are predicting tougher than normal driving conditions across central and northern Oregon highways between now and Tuesday, the Oregon Department of Transportation advised Friday.

Central Oregon is currently predicted to receive the greater snowfall, but Interstate 84 through the Columbia Gorge is also expected to receive significant snowfall. Forecasters are also calling for snow in the Portland metro area.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning on Friday afternoon for Central Oregon from 4 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. next Wednesday, with total snow of 9-14 inches expected. NWS forecasters said the snow is expected to transition into rain in the Bend-Redmond area Monday afternoon but switch back to snow that night.

A winter storm warning is also in effect for that period of time for the east slopes of the Cascades, including La Pine, Sunriver and Sisters, with total snowfall of 12-18 inches expected.

A winter weather advisory for the northern Oregon Cascades began at 3 p.m. Friday and extends to 4 a.m. Saturday, above 1,500 feet, with 4-8 inches expected Friday and up to three feet of snow possible late Saturday through Monday.

Also, a winter storm watch will be in effect in the mountains from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon, with additional accumulations of up to three feet expected.

ODOT said motorists can expect to find winter travel conditions across northern Oregon highways. Heavy accumulations are predicted for the northern Cascade mountain passes. Motorists and truckers should be prepared to install chains when required and plan extra travel time.

ODOT snow removal teams are on a 24-7 work status across the state.

Motorists are urged to understand driving conditions on their selected travel routes before departing and to use Tripcheck.com to “know before you go”. Stay on main highways and avoid following GPS navigation devices onto unfamiliar routes that may not be plowed or passable.

(Heavy trucks are not permitted to use Washington State Route 14 when weather conditions close Interstate 84 in Oregon.)