Medford, Oregon – A Winter Storm Watch could bring up to 2 feet of snow above 5,000 feet along Interstate 5 beginning late Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, an impactful winter storm is expected to move into southern Oregon and northern California late Sunday and continue into early next week. The highest confidence for significant snow impacts is from Sunday evening through Tuesday night.
Forecasters say 1 to 2 feet of snow is possible above 5,500 feet, with heavy snow expected above 3,000 feet. Snow levels are projected to lower to around 4,500 feet Sunday night, dropping to near 4,000 feet Monday and possibly as low as 2,000 feet by Tuesday morning.
Travel through higher elevations along Interstate 5, including the Siskiyou Summit near the Oregon-California border, may become hazardous. U.S. Highway 199 and other mountain routes could also see accumulating snow and reduced visibility.
Officials warn that multiple waves of snowfall are expected, increasing the likelihood of chain controls, delays, and possible temporary road closures in mountain passes.
Communities including Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, and Yreka should prepare for changing travel conditions, especially during overnight and early morning hours as snow levels fall.
Truck drivers, commuters, and students traveling through higher terrain may encounter slick roads and limited visibility during peak snowfall periods.
Residents are urged to monitor updated forecasts and prepare winter travel kits before heading into mountainous areas.
