ODOT advises of winter storm watch in NE Oregon

The Oregon Department of Transportation on Thursday advised travelers to monitor road and weather conditions in Eastern Oregon and adjacent states (Washington/Idaho) before heading out on the roads.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch, indicating a storm event is expected to move through the area, bringing snow and slick roads. The storm is scheduled move across the northern Blue Mountains in into Idaho beginning Friday night and continuing Saturday.

There’s also a winter weather advisory in the northern Oregon Cascades until 4 p.m. Friday for 7-11 inches of snow, and up to 14 inches in some areas.

* What: heavy snow possible. Plan on difficult travel conditions.
Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches are possible at high elevations. Expect snow above 3,500 feet, possible snow/rain mixture at lower elevations.

* Where: Meacham, Tollgate, Ski Bluewood Resort (WA), Baker Valley, Treasure and Magic Valley’s (ID) could be impacted.

* When: from Friday evening through Saturday evening.

* Additional details: significant reductions in visibility are possible.

A Winter storm watch means there is potential for significant snow/ice accumulation, creating hazardous driving conditions.

For current road/weather info in Oregon: TripCheck.com, 5-1-1, 800-977-6368, outside Oregon dial 503-588-2941.

KTVZ.COM also has an ODOT TripCheck page.