Snowstorm causes trouble on Central Oregon roads

A winter storm moving into Central Oregon on Thursday found some drivers unprepared for slick roads and in some places whiteout conditions.

Mariah Colcord said she was driving south on Highway 97 to work Thursday morning when she had to pull over on the side of the road because of heavy snow causing low visibility.

The storm also kept police and tow truck companies in Bend busy as they responded to several car crashes.

The weather played a factor in some crashes.

“People just need to be aware that driving conditions are treacherous,” said Bend police Officer Leo Lotito.

A semi-truck jackknifed on Highway 97 just outside of Bend as the driver was trying to get out of the deep snow and make it to Northern California.

Thursday’s snow totals reported by NWS storm spotters ranged from 6-8 inches in the Bend area, 5-7 inches in La Pine and Redmond, about 4-7 inches in the Prineville area and 1.5 inches in Sisters

Some NewsChannel 21 viewers were taking their frustration to social media. One woman said it took her two hours to get her kids to school and for her to get to work.

School districts across Central Oregon canceled all after-school programs on Thursday because of the snow and some made an early call to cancel school Friday, including Jefferson County 509-J and Central Christian School in Redmond.

Bend-La Pine Schools released middle school and high school students 15 minutes early Thursday to allow bus drivers extra time to slow down and drive in winter conditions.

For the latest weather conditions you can check out the KTVZ weather app and for school closures stay with NewsChannel 21 on-air and online (see the Related Story link).