Winter weather likely to affect C.O. holiday travel

Holiday travel will rise Wednesday as many drivers head to their destination for the Thanksgiving weekend, just as winter driving conditions hit the mountain passes and higher elevations..

According to AAA, more than half-million Oregonians will be hitting the highways and nationally 48.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Most will travel by car, enjoying an early holiday bonus of the second-cheapest gas prices in nearly a decade, AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said Tuesday..

Les Schwab officials told NewsChannel they’ve seen a large number of people coming in and switching out their old tires for new winter or studded tires.

“Even though the weather hasn’t been too bad, there has been a large demand for studded or winter tires,” Manager Joe Wheeler said.

Wheeler said having great traction on your wheels could help with severe winter weather conditions.

Les Schwab also offers tire chains and car kits with battery cables for people who don’t want to spend extra money on studded tires.

The tire retailer also offers free safety inspections and will check your tire pressure, just to make sure you’re ready for the trip.

For Pro Tow Bend, it’s all hands on deck, as their call volume goes up 50 to 60 percent during the holiday weekend. With winter weather in the forecast, it could make for some long nights for towing companies.

Mike Leech, who works for Pro Tow Bend, said the most common mistake drivers make is going too fast for the severe winter weather conditions.

Some drivers are not taking any chances of getting left behind in the snow and are preparing key essentials, just in case.

“Got some food in my car. Got some blankets. Just in case you get stranded, you’ve got to be prepared,” traveler Erika Arbak said.

For the latest on weather conditions, go to NewsChannel 21 weather page and TripCheck.