ODOT Sunday PM travel update: Snow, ice, downed trees affecting Portland, Valley; I-5, I-84, other highways hit

(Update: ODOT Sunday afternoon update)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Transportation's provided an update late Sunday afternoon on the continuing impacts of a major winter storm that continues to hit the state with severe travel issues, downing trees and knocking out power.

In southwest Oregon, ODOT said Sunday morning that Oregon Highway 138, the North Umpqua Highway, reopened between Diamond Lake Junction (state Highway 230) and Highway 97, but that drivers should be prepared for delays and chain restrictions.

Highway 230 remained closed between Diamond Lake Junction and Union Creek due to downed trees and heavy snow.

"Travelers between Bend and Redmond should use an alternate route," Sunday's update stated.

Highway 138 also reopened in Glide at milepost 17 after an earlier closure due to flooding at Honey Creek Road. ODOT said to expect lane closures as crews continue to clean up mud and debris, and to watch for high water in the area.

"Conditions are rapidly changing everywhere. The precipitation is here, and it's coming in many different forms." said ODOT Public Information Officer Kacey Davey said Saturday.

Here's the full ODOT Sunday afternoon update:

Across the state, crews are working around the clock to clear the roads. Nearly every highway was affected by challenging conditions over the past few days, with major impacts to Interstates 5 and 84 on Sunday afternoon.

In the Portland metro area, our crews are working to remove downed trees, snow and ice. Widespread power outages mean that many electronic road signs and traffic lights may be out. Treat traffic signals that aren't working like a four-way stop. Never drive over downed power lines. Intermittent closures and delays on roads in Portland are likely.

Snow and ice still blanket much of the Willamette Valley. Temperatures have not risen above freezing for much of the state. In areas where snow and ice began to melt today, be prepared for slick conditions as temperatures fall tonight.

Northbound Interstate 5 near Cottage Grove is experiencing extended delays. Multiple vehicles have spun-out or slid off the road causing backups. Avoid the area if possible.

Many sections of highway west of the Willamette Valley remain closed due to hundreds of downed trees. Some of these areas could take days to reopen.  

Temperatures are expected to remain low, and freezing rain is in the forecast for Tuesday. Most crews remain on 12-hour storm shifts to give our highways the most coverage possible. 

For the latest state highway information and to see current closures, visit Tripcheck.com. For the latest weather, visit the National Weather Service website.

If you must travel this weekend, be prepared

Safety is our priority – for travelers and our road crews. If you decide to travel, plan extra time for your journey and carry emergency supplies. Delays and closures are happening statewide. Expect to encounter chain restrictions.

Give snowplows and emergency crews extra space to do their work, and never pass a snowplow on the right. Our crews are working hard to clear roads, but their job becomes more difficult when disabled cars and trucks block traffic.

For more winter weather driving tips, see our winter travel news packet.

To see images from this winter event from across Oregon, see our January 2024 Flickr album.