Winter snow in forecast for eastern Oregon

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 12/12/2014 12:03 PM PST

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dec. 12, 2014        NR#14121215             More information: Tom Strandberg - (541) 963-1330

  

 

Winter snow in forecast for eastern Oregon

 

PENDLETON, Ore. – The National Weather Service (www.NOAA.gov) is predicting moderate snow over mountain areas of eastern Oregon. Snow levels are rapidly falling and rain is quickly changing to snow over the Ochoco-John Day highlands and the Blue Mountains. Moisture will continue to stream into the area from the south through tonight, allowing several inches of snow to accumulate. Snow accumulations expected at 7 to 9 inches in elevation above 3500 feet. Snow is expected to continue through tonight. Fog along I-84 between Pendleton and La Grande can also be expected. Travelers are cautioned to be prepared for winter conditions, plan for extra travel time and keep a close tab on weather and road condition reports before heading out on the road.

Winter maintenance crews will be working 24 hours a day with the goal of keeping mountain passes and other areas that may be impacted by snow and ice passable.

General winter driving tips include:
* Adjust your driving for the conditions if there is ice, snow or fog present.
* Be ready to handle potentially dangerous situations by thinking ahead.
* Look for signs indicating when chains or traction tires are required, and chain up early when you are required to do so.
* If you lose traction, slow down gradually - don't slam on your brakes.
* Use extra caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways; ice forms first on these surfaces.

* Give snow plows and road maintenance equipment extra room and don’t pass snow plows on the right (plow drivers will pull over to let you pass, so be patient).
* Don't use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.

* In limited visibility conditions of dense fog or blinding snow, don’t stop on the highway. Turn flashers on and pull completely off the road on the right side if you must stop.
* Always - know before you go. Check current road conditions on ODOT's web site www.TripCheck.com or call 5-1-1.

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

##ODOT##