Be prepared for winter highway conditions in parts of Central and Eastern Oregon this weekend

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 12/11/2015 04:44 PM PST

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Dec. 11, 2015                                                                                   No. 121115015

More information: Tom Strandberg - 541-963-1330

Be prepared for winter highway conditions in parts of Central and Eastern Oregon this weekend

ODOT crews in eastern and central Oregon are preparing for another winter storm that will create challenging driving conditions over the next couple days.

The National Weather Service advised several Pacific storm systems will move through the area this weekend, beginning tonight. Each of the storms will bring rain and mountain snow. Snow levels will vary from 2,500 to 5,000 feet through the period, but significant accumulations will be likely over the higher elevations. The Winter Weather Advisory calls for snow along the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, the Ochoco-John Day Highlands, the Blue Mountains, and Wallowa County.

Visit www.weather.gov/pendleton for weather updates.

Travelers are advised to be prepared for winter conditions and check TripCheck.com before hitting the road.

ODOT recommends motorists consider delaying travel when conditions are severe. If you must drive in these conditions:

  • Be ready to use your chains. Be patient. Go slow.
  • Expect a long commute that could last hours. You never know when weather or traffic incidents will cause the road to be closed for extended periods.
  • Keep fuel tank full (in case you get stuck in road closure).
  • Carry emergency supplies (water, food, warm clothes, flashlight, etc.)
  • Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
  • Don't abandon your vehicle, even in the shoulders. It could be towed at your expense.
  • Keep a watch on weather conditions throughout the day in anticipation of the next snow storm which could make current road conditions worse.

 

For additional resources on winter driving and preparedness, please visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/Pages/winterdriving.aspx

Know Before You Go: Call 5-1-1 or visit www.TripCheck.com for the latest real-time traffic updates and camera views of Oregon’s highways. Outside of Oregon, travelers can call 503-588-2941.

ODOT