High winds, snow and cold temperatures continue in eastern Oregon

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 12/29/2016 05:03 PM PST

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Dec. 29, 2016                                                                                     NR#16122915                              For more information: Tom Strandberg - (541) 963-1330

 

High winds, snow and cold temperatures continue in eastern Oregon

LA GRANDE Ore.  – The National Weather Service is forecasting more wind, blowing snow and sub-zero temperatures over the next several days throughout parts of eastern Oregon and Washington. The severe winter conditions will create challenges for all travelers and motorists are reminded to plan ahead before heading out on the road. If you don’t have to travel, stay home.

ODOT crews are continuing their 24 hour coverage plowing and sanding Oregon highways as they responded to winter weather conditions. Travelers are advised to be prepared for winter challenges and review road and weather conditions before heading out by checking www.TripCheck.com and local weather reports.

 

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.

Turn off your cruise control.

Plan for near or below freezing temperatures.

 

Conditions can change at a moment’s notice. Check out this short video showing drastically different road conditions along Interstate 84 east of La Grande. One image shows blizzard-like conditions on December 27 overlaid with images of the same highway segment on December 28.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xGB3HrclwU  

 

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

 

Check www.TripCheck.com  or call 511 / 800-977-6368 for updated Oregon road conditions. Check www.NOAA.gov or similar sites for weather updates. For nationwide road information visit http://oss.weathershare.org .