La Grande, Oregon – Snow-covered roads are expected to thicken across eastern Oregon and southeast Washington through Wednesday afternoon, creating hazardous travel on mountain passes and valley highways.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 3 p.m. Wednesday for the Grande Ronde Valley, Wallowa County and the Southern Blue Mountains, where an additional 3 to 6 inches of snow is likely. Communities including La Grande, Enterprise, Joseph, Elgin and Union will see periods of moderate snowfall capable of reducing visibility and coating untreated roads.
Farther west and north, 2 to 4 inches are expected in the John Day Basin and the foothills near Pendleton, Athena, Pilot Rock and Walla Walla. Snow may intensify at times during the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. On the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, including Sisters, Sunriver and La Pine, 2 to 5 inches will continue through 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Snow-packed stretches are likely along Interstate 84 near La Grande, Highway 82 in Wallowa County and mountain routes through the Blues. Travelers should slow down, carry winter supplies and check TripCheck.com or the Washington DOT website before departing.
Advisories remain active through Wednesday afternoon as waves of snow move across the region.
