‘Winter is not over,’ NWS says – big reminder on the way

Weather forecasters are predicting a return to winter weather over the next few days in Central Oregon and other areas east of the Cascades. The Oregon Department of Transportation is advising motorists to be prepared for an accumulation of snow on the region’s highways.

The latest weather reports indicate a prolonged period of light snow in the mountains and the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, Wednesday night through Saturday that may result in snow accumulations around 4 to 8 inches in many areas.

In Central Oregon, snow accumulations from Wednesday night through Saturday are predicted to be around 3 to 6 inches. In addition, long-range forecast charts are indicating another strong cold front early next week that could bring snow to all elevations.

“Most of Washington and Oregon has received no significant winter weather the past month,” the National Weather Service noted in a special statement issued Tuesday afternoon.

“Winter is not over,” forecasters said.

ODOT and the NWS advised motorists are advised to be prepared for snow-covered roads later this week.

General winter driving tips include:

* Plan ahead, give yourself plenty of time.

* Adjust your driving for the conditions if there is ice of snow on the road.

* Be ready to handle potentially dangerous situations.

* Look for signs indicating when chains or traction tires are required, and chain up early when you are required to do so.

* If you lose traction, slow down gradually – don’t slam on your brakes.

* Use extra caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways; ice forms first on these surfaces.

* Give snow plows and road maintenance equipment extra room and don’t pass snow plows on the right (plow drivers will pull over to let you pass, so be patient).

* Don’t use cruise control in wet, icy or snowy weather.