Holiday travelers across Oregon may face difficult driving conditions this week as a series of winter storms brings mountain snow, strong winds and the possibility of power outages through Wednesday, state emergency officials said.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is warning that changing weather conditions could make driving hazardous across much of the state, particularly over mountain passes, along the coast and in parts of the Interstate 5 corridor. The agency is encouraging travelers to slow down, plan ahead and be prepared for delays.
According to the National Weather Service, waves of snow showers and gusty winds are expected through Wednesday, Christmas Eve. Snow showers on Tuesday are expected to bring snow in the Cascades between about 2,500 and 4,000 feet, meaning travelers crossing mountain passes could encounter slick roads and reduced visibility.
Along the coast, winds are expected to pick up, with a moderate chance of gusts topping 45 mph. Forecasters say Wednesday could bring stronger winds with inland areas seeing gusts up to about 55 mph, while beaches and headlands could experience gusts as high as 70 mph.
There is also a slight chance — about 10% to 25% — of thunderstorms along the coast on Tuesday, which officials say could bring bursts of heavy rain, small hail, gusty winds and occasional lightning.
Emergency officials also warned about the increased risk of falling trees and power outages. They said recent heavy rainfall has left soils saturated across western Oregon, making it easier for trees to topple or limbs to break when winds are strong. Officials said that could lead to downed power lines, blocked roads and scattered outages.
State officials are also advising people to stay out of rivers, streams and coastal waters. They said fast-moving, cold water combined with debris, such as logs and branches — and the possibility of contamination — creates dangerous conditions for swimmers, boaters and anglers.
For those traveling, emergency officials recommend checking road conditions before leaving, allowing extra time and keeping vehicles fueled in case of delays or detours. Real-time road updates are available at TripCheck.com or by calling 511.
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